Moore Foundation’s new Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative

I wanted to call your attention to the Moore Foundation’s new Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative that aims to advance knowledge of how symbiotic associations involving microbes function and participate in ecology and evolution in marine and freshwater systems.

Symbiosis Model Systems 

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative is solicitating pre-applications to advance development of experimentally tractable model systems in aquatic symbiosis. Additionally, we are seeking information about needs in model systems development through a related survey. The deadline for submitting a pre-application for the Symbiosis Model Systems funding call is August 8, 2019 at 23:59 PDT. In addition to seeking researchers who currently work in these areas, we hope to identify scientists and engineers who have not previously worked on these topics and who would bring novel perspectives, methods and technologies to these important areas of science. Learn more about this funding opportunity, including FAQs and eligibility requirements: https://symbiosis.smapply.io.

Moore­–Simons Project on the Origin of the Eukaryotic Cell

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative and the Simons Foundation Life Sciences Division are jointly soliciting proposals for research on the origin of the eukaryotic cell. The application portal will open on July 9, 2019 at 10:00 PDT. The deadline for submitting a proposal is September 30, 2019 at 23:59 PDT. In addition to seeking researchers who currently work in these areas, we hope to identify scientists and engineers who have not previously worked on these topics and who would bring novel perspectives, methods and technologies to these important areas of science. Learn more about this funding opportunity, including FAQs and eligibility requirements: https://symbiosis.smapply.io.

Faculty Position in Paleontology- University of Michigan

The Museum of Paleontology and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan are searching for a full-time tenure-track faculty candidate in the field of paleontology at the assistant professor/assistant curator level. This is a university year appointment with an expected start date of September 1, 2020. The Museum of Paleontology has recently relocated its internationally significant collections of plant, invertebrate and vertebrate fossils to the new Research Museums Center. Paleontology faculty labs and offices are in the newly completed Biological Sciences Building, which houses other academic units and the Museum of Natural History which attracts over 165,000 visitors a year.

We seek applicants who have broad research and teaching interests within developing areas of evolutionary or environmental paleontology. We are especially interested in applicants investigating the invertebrate fossil record, although exceptional candidates with other areas of taxonomic expertise will be considered. The Museum and Department invite applicants in fields including, but not restricted to: macroevolution, interactions of developmental biology and evolution, extinction dynamics, paleoecology, organismal paleobiology, and biotic responses to global change.

The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded research program and contribute to excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching.  Applicants must have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment and should submit a: (1) cover letter; (2) CV; (3) statement of current and future research plans; (4) statement of teaching philosophy and experience; (5) evidence of teaching excellence, if available; (6) a statement of activities contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia; (7) up to four publications; and (8) the names and contact information for at least four references.Information about the Museum and Department can be found at Information about the Museum and Department can be found at https://lsa.umich.edu/paleontology and https://lsa.umich.edu/earth/. 

To apply please go to https://ummp-earth.lsa.umich.edu/search19/https://ummp-earth.lsa.umich.edu/search19/, complete the online form, and upload the required application documents as a single PDF file.  If you have any questions or comments, please send an email message to ummp-earth-search@umich.edu. The application deadline is August 31, 2019 for full consideration with on-campus interviews beginning January, 2020, but applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is supportive of the needs of dual career couples and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Postdoc at St. Andrews

Dr. James Rae is looking for several new postdocs to work on an ERC grant “100 million years of ocean pH and atmospheric CO2”.  The aim is to reconstruct seawater boron isotope composition in a number of new ways, and pair this with foram records and modelling to improve long-term estimates of CO2. 

Suitable candidates would have experience in (some of) isotope geochemistry, laser ablation ICPMS, paleo records, geochemical modelling, or experimental geochemistry. The grant runs for 5 years, so start dates can be flexible; if you have a great PhD student finishing in the next year, encourage them to get in touch.  Applications are due 8 July. 

More details can be found at: 

https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/4712/0/231308/889/research-fellow-ar2225mr

And more info on the Rae group at: 

https://www.jameswbrae.com

Pomona College 1-Year Faculty Position in Sedimentary Geology

The Geology Department at Pomona College, the founding member of the Claremont Colleges, invites applications for a 1-year sabbatical replacement position beginning July 1, 2019 to teach courses and assist with senior thesis supervision. We seek a candidate eager to interact with talented undergraduates in a liberal arts college environment where teaching and research are emphasized. 

Teaching responsibilities are expected to include Sedimentology and Earth History, each with lab, plus Introductory Geology and one other non-lab course determined through discussion between the candidate and department.

Pomona College is an equal opportunity employer, and we especially invite applications from women and members of under-represented groups. The successful candidate will have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving higher education for underrepresented students.

Applicants should e-mail to GeoFacSearch@pomona.edu a dossier including 1) a letter of interest, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a brief statement of teaching philosophy, 4) a summary of research plans, and 5) undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Applicants should arrange to have two letters of reference sent directly to the search e-mail address. 

Hard copies of materials may be mailed to Geology Faculty Search, c/o Lori Keala, Geology Department, 185 E. Sixth Street, Claremont, CA 91711.
Web address: https://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/geology; refer questions to Dr. Eric Grosfils (e-mail: egrosfils@pomona.edu; 909-621-8673). 

Review of completed applications will begin July 1st, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.

Museum Specialist (Invertebrate Fossil Preparation), AMNH

Responsibilities & Duties:

The responsibilities and duties of the position include preparation and restoration of invertebrate fossils, including detailed microscope-based preparation using a full range of mechanical and chemical methods as well as digital preparation, such as SEM and CT image post-processing; creating molds and casts; thin-section preparation; laboratory operations management, including equipment and supply maintenance; research support, including data collection; interaction with and support of students and visiting scientists as appropriate; and other divisional tasks as assigned. May have opportunities to participate in field work.

Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience (typically at least 4 years of specimen preparation) required. Demonstrated high level of professional skill, innovation, and cooperativeness. Outstanding manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and patience. Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in related field plus at least one full year of practical experience in preparation, molding and casting. Knowledge of invertebrate fossils desired.

Interested parties should apply online: http://careers.amnh.org/postings/1900
Review of applications will begin as early as July 15th; position remains open until filled.

Applications cannot be accepted via email or snail mail.

**Please Note: Due to the volume of applications, we are not able to respond to email inquires regarding the status of an application**
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition. The Museum is renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world's cultures.

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate due to age, sex, religion, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. Please be advised that due to the high volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those candidates whose skills and background best fit the needs of the open position.

2019 Division Awards for outstanding geobiologists

Every year the GBGM executive committee selects exceptional scholars to receive awards for their accomplishments in research, education/mentoring, and service in geobiology. This year we had an exceptional list of nominees so thanks to all those who nominated someone!

We are pleased to announce that the 2019 awards go to Betsy Swanner (pre-tenure), Clara Chan  (post-tenure), and Russell Shapiro (distinguished career). Please check out their brief biographies below and explore their websites for further details about their research.

Pre-Tenure Award Recipient: Elizabeth (Betsy) Swanner (Iowa State University)

Betsy Swanner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences at Iowa State University. Dr. Swanner is interested in the impact of ferruginous conditions on life throughout Earth’s history. Her research seeks to determine the extent of ferruginous conditions through time and space, and how global biogeochemical cycles operate in iron-rich conditions, primarily those cycles mediated by microbes. She uses a wide variety of analytical tools coupled to experimental approaches and work in modern analogues.

Post-Tenure Award Recipient: Clara Chan (University of Delaware)

Dr. Clara Chan is an associate professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Delaware, specializing in geomicrobiology. She studies how microbes make minerals, addressing the molecular mechanisms of biomineralization, as well as the unique composition of biominerals. Her approaches integrate culturing, ‘omics, biochemistry, and field experiments in caves, deep sea vents, coastal environments, and streams. She loves to watch things grow, including her microbes, crystals, her garden, and her daughter.

Distinguished Career Award Recipient: Russell Shapiro (California State University, Chico)

Russell Shapiro is a Professor of Geology and (just recently) former department chair at California State University, Chico. Dr. Shapiro has studied Phanerozoic microbialites from the modern Bahamas all the way back to the Archaean; he then branched out to enigmatic iron formations and methane seep carbonates.  In particular, he is interested in how metamorphic processes affect the fidelity of geobiological signals.  He funded his college education as a tattoo artist both at Humboldt State and UC Santa Barbara. Dr.  Shapiro was a field instructor on the International Geobiology Course from 2010-2016, served on the editorial board for Astrobiology, and was the Biosignature Panel Chief for the Mars2020 mission.  In addition to his academic career, Shapiro also works as a consultant for paleontological resources.

While research is a passion, he is most proud of the service he has provided in various roles inside and outside of academia. If you see a problem that needs to be fixed, step up!

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional scientists at the GSA Geobiology Division Award Presentation (a.k.a. the GBGM Lunch) during the 2019 GSA in Phoenix.