Assistant Professor (Zoology/Paleontology), University of Wisconsin, River Falls

The University of Wisconsin, River Falls, is seeking a zoologist or paleontologist. Specific expertise could be in anatomy, ecology, systematics, evolution, wildlife, or another related field. Vertebrate (non-human) specialty in zoology is preferred, but others are encouraged to apply. The ability to teach an undergraduate paleontology course is required.

This is a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track position in the Department of Biology, but the position also supports the Geology program in the Department of Plant and Earth Science. The standard teaching load is 12 credit (contact) hours per semester, which usually translates into two courses per semester, with labs, but may vary. Starting date: August 24, 2020.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach undergraduate courses, likely to include: 

1. Zoology and/or Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy; 
2. Paleontology; 
3. Additional course(s) of interest, depending on expertise, for example, Introductory Biology and/or Geology; Ecology; Wildlife Biology; History of Animal Life; taxon-specific courses (e.g., Herpetology, Mammalogy, Ichthyology), Global Change (Historical Geology), Sedimentary Geology

• Establish and maintain a program of research/scholarship/professional activities.
• Serve as Academic Advisor to undergraduate students.
• Engage in department, college, and university service/committees, as well as community service, where appropriate.

Application deadline for full consideration: December 31, 2019.
For a full description and application instructions see https://jobs.uwrf.edu/postings/5894

Geobiology Gordon Research Conference 2020

Announcing the 2020 Gordon Research Conference on:

Geobiology - The Interaction of Microbial and Geological Processes Through Time

January 12-17, 2020
Hotel Galvez, Galveston, TX, United States
Chair: Alexandra Turchyn
More information at the Conference Website

Additionally, a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will be held in conjunction with this GRC:

Geobiology (GRS) - Merging and Emerging Disciplines in Geobiology

January 11-12, 2020
Chairs: Marie Catherine Sforna and John Shukle
More information at the Conference Web Site


What is a GRS? 
Gordon Research Seminars (GRS) are 2-day meetings held in conjunction with an associated Gordon Research Conference (GRC) that enable graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience to come together in a highly-stimulating and non-intimidating environment to discuss their current research and build informal networks with their peers. The seminars are organized by young investigators with the support of leading scientists from the associated GRC.

GSA 2019 Student Awards

Dear Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (GBGM) Division Members,

It is our pleasure to announce the winners of the 2019 student presentation awards. This year we had a record number of student participants and there were many interesting talks and posters at this year's GSA Meeting, so thank you to everyone who participated! As usual, we were all impressed with the quality and diversity of research conducted by our student members! Presentation feedback has been sent out.

The many excellent entries always make it difficult to choose winners, but here are the presentations that rose to the top.

Oral presentation winners:

Remy Rovelli - Using Paleoenm to predict patterns of survivorship in the hell creek formation ecosystems across the k/pg mass extinction

Samantha Ocon - Best practices for instagram as a geoscience education tool

Poster presentation winners:

Cathryn Sephus - Shedding light on phototrophic pigment evolution: reconstruction of ancestral rhodopsins

Martina Bennick - Determining the origin of intracameral deposits in the orthocerid genusarionoceras

Honorable mention:

Jasmina Wiemann - Metazoan biomolecule fossilization products record phylogeny, physiology, and biomineralization

Kathryn Mudica - Lead burden in long bones of north american river otters

As with previous years, we'll be handing out prizes at GBGM awards luncheon next year (GSA 2020). If you think you're not going to be able to make it to the meeting, please contact Rowan Martindale, and we'll find a way to get your award sent to you.

We'd like to thank all of the students who contacted us and put their names forward for consideration; it was a real privilege to see and hear about the work you've been doing, and we encourage you to enter again next year. Recognizing the excellent work of our members is the most important aspect of the GBGM division, so please stay in touch. It is wonderful to see the faces of the student population of GSA GBGM and there is a bright future ahead for this group!

We would especially  liketo express our deepest gratitude to our members who judged this year's competition. Without your feedback and support, this endeavor would not be possible. We are also very grateful to our student representative Amanda Godbold and Andrew Putt for coordinating everything.

All the best,

Rowan, Vicky, David, Trinity, Lydia, Simon

GSA GBGM Division Executive Committee

Amanda Godbold and Andrew Putt

GSA GBGM Division Student Representatives

Assistant Collections Manager, Vertebrate Paleontology

The Natural History Museum of LA County (NHMLA) seeks an Assistant Collections Manager of Vertebrate Paleontology. NHMLA’s Vertebrate Paleontology collection is the fifth-largest in the U.S., with more than 150,000 specimens. This position is directly supervised by the Collections Manager.    

The Assistant Collections Manager works with the Collections Manager to support all ongoing collections activities and to maintain and care for the collection. Tasks include processing incoming and outgoing loans, entering and maintaining database records and supplying data to users, and assisting in routine monitoring and maintenance of the collections workspace. The Assistant Collections Manager facilitates use of the collection by visiting researchers and helps support the needs of other NHMLA departments as directed. The Assistant Collections Manager provides operational coordination and training to staff, volunteers, students, interns, and contractors as needed.  

NHMLA is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engage and include culturally diverse audiences in museums and in science.    

RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Participates in curation and collection management activities including identifying, classifying, organizing, moving, preparing, and preserving objects, specimens, and archives for research, exhibition and education. May participate in fieldwork. Contributes to conservation of objects as it relates to specimen housings, storage and/or display. Exercises independent judgment in the classification of artifacts and specimens under the general direction of a Collections Manager.   
• Maintains collection records and supplies data when requested. Uses computerized databases and digital technology to document information on collections and their locations. Catalogues specimens/objects and localities as necessary for research and exhibitions. Assists in processing loan requests and new acquisitions (e.g. purchases, donations, exchanges).Adheres to all institutional and departmental guidelines for the management of the Museum’s collections.  
• Assists visiting scientists by providing logistical access to the collections as directed by the Collections Manager.   
• Assists in the routine monitoring and maintenance of the collections workspace, including any laboratory areas, and collection objects and specimens.  
• Participates in the Museum’s Public Program activities, including but not limited to, assisting with exhibitions, presentation of public lectures, instruction of Museum classes and participating in educational programs.   
• Provides operational coordination and training to staff, volunteers, work study students, interns, and contractors as needed.  
• Maintains working space, and purchases collection tools, equipment and supplies.  
• Conducts collection and lab tours as needed.   

  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of experience in a job involving a similar type of collection (e.g. identification, classification, excavation, preparation, or conservation of specimens), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Familiarity with basic collection conservation and care.  
• Demonstrated skill and experience in handling museum objects/specimens.  
• Basic knowledge of object data and the use of databases in museum collections management.  
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.  
• Experience using a personal computer and with typical word processing, spreadsheet, email, calendar, and other software (PC and/or Macintosh).   

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• Master’s degree in a related field  
• Demonstrated competency in the use of DSLR cameras and management of digital assets.  
• Demonstrated competency in the use and care of dissecting microscopes.  
• Ability to effectively present information to and respond to questions from individuals and groups, including the general public.  

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL ACTIVITY  

The incumbent is in a non-confined office-type setting in which he or she is free to move about at will. The environment for this position is mostly clean and comfortable but may include some minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, dust, extreme temperatures, etc.  

In the course of performing this work, the incumbent:   

• Will spend substantial time sitting, utilizing the computer and microscope.  
• Must travel via personal vehicle or public transport to off-site meetings.  
• May lift up to 50 lbs. periodically.   
• Operate a computer using typical software and internet tools.  
• If working in collection or laboratory areas and/or moving collections, respirator, hearing protection, and gloves may be required. During such work, extended periods of standing and stooping may be necessary.  
• Must be able to work under any or all of the following lab conditions: resin fumes, dust, various chemicals (e.g. solution and reaction adhesives, acetic, formic or sulfamic acid, polyester resins, or organic solvents), use sharp objects and assist with lifting/moving heavy objects. May be required to wear a lab coat, respirator, face shield, and gloves with the use of chemicals.  

The application deadline is November 15, 2019. Submit a current CV, a cover letter describing how your experience, knowledge, and interest qualify you for this position, and the names and contact information of three professional references through the Museum’s employment site at https://nhm.org/careers-our-museums/careers-natural-history-museum .  

Technical Position at St. Andrews

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences,

We are seeking an individual to provide research and technical support to our state-of-the-art gas source IRMS and Geobiology laboratories. These host two Thermo-Finnigan Mat 253 gas source mass spectrometers, one tuned to quadruple S isotope analyses by fluorination and set up for N and C isotope analyses by combustion. They also house a Delta Plus with a gasbench and a TC/EA for C and O isotopes, a GC-MS, an Ion Chromatograph and a Picarro CRDS. The role of the successful applicant will include:

1. maintaining the instruments (MAT253s, Delta Plus XP, GC-MS, IC, CRDS) and their peripherals, troubleshooting technical problems and ensuring that the labs are generating high quality data across a range of applications;
2. developing, maintaining and optimising standard methods and bespoke sample preparation techniques including, for example, sulphur distillation lines, oxic Fe extractions, fluorination of S phases for isotope analyses, vacuum crushing of silicates and photochemical experiments;
3. helping train laboratory users, including external visitors, post-doctoral research fellows and postgraduate and undergraduate students;
4. managing purchase orders for the isotope and the Geobiology prep labs;
5. forging and maintaining collaborations with academic and industrial partners who require analyses from the facilities;
6. contributing to teaching short laboratory-based practicals for MSc students; and
7. oversight of lab safety procedures.

This is a standard position.
For further details about the research programs and position duties please contact via email Dr Eva Stüeken, ees4@st-andrews.ac.uk, or Dr Mark Claire, mc229@st-andrews.ac.uk, in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. 
The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter (see: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/).
Please quote ref:  AR1942SB 
Closing Date:  18 October 2019

Interview Date:  5 November 2019
Further Particulars:  AR1942SB FPs.doc
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum
Start: As soon as possible

Marine Microbes Gordon Research Conference

We wanted to bring to your attention the 2020 Marine Microbes Gordon Research Conference which will be held in Les Diablerets, Switzerland during the week of May 24-29, 2020.

As an attendee of a previous Marine Microbes related GRC, you are aware of the vibrant atmosphere at this young and timely conference series, and we want to encourage you to consider participating in the 2020 GRC by attending and submitting an abstract on your research.

You can also find more information on the 2020 Marine Microbes at the following link:  https://www.grc.org/marine-microbes-conference/2020/

We look forward to seeing you in Les Diablerets next year!

Best wishes,

Corina P.D. Brussaard, Lasse Riemann and Ramunas Stepanauskas, Chairs

Assistant Professor of Paleontology UNCW

The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of North Carolina Wilmington seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Paleontology to begin August 2020. We seek an individual with expertise in Conservation Paleobiology whose research integrates paleoecological, paleoclimatological, and geochronological methods, with a strong potential to utilize UNCW’s coastal setting within the Atlantic Coastal Plain in their research and teaching.
Link to Posting here: http://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/15779

Minimum Requirements: Candidates must have completed a Ph.D. in geology, geoscience, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications: The successful candidate will:

1. Be committed to exceptional teaching at the introductory level (e.g., physical and historical geology, natural disasters, environmental geology), including oversight of laboratory sections, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses (e.g., vertebrate and/or invertebrate paleontology, paleoecology, conservation paleobiology).
2. Support the established undergraduate and graduate degree programs within the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences by advising majors and by actively recruiting and mentoring students.
3. Establish and maintain a vigorous research program with a significant field component that involves both undergraduate and graduate students, and complements and interfaces with our emerging directions and strengths in coastal and marine processes and hazards, climate/paleoclimate studies, volcanic processes/hazards, crustal dynamics, tectonics of orogenic systems, and water resource issues.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences offers the following degrees: B.S. in geology and oceanography, M.S. and B.A. in geosciences, B.A. in geography, and a Graduate Certificate in GIS. UNCW maintains a full range of analytical facilities in support of research including sedimentology, geospatial analysis, electron microscopy, stable isotope mass spectroscopy, aqueous chemistry, NMR, and DNA sequencing facilities as well as a dive shop, machine shop, and instrument shop at the UNCW Center for Marine Science (http://uncw.edu/cms/).

Applicant Instructions
Please include the following:

• A brief letter of interest (Cover Letter)
• Statement of teaching and research interests including a list of potential course offerings and plan for actively engaging students in field-based research
• A curriculum vitae
• Copies of graduate transcripts
• Contact information (including e-mail addresses) for three professional references. 

Please address diversity and inclusiveness in your teaching and/or research statements. All materials must be uploaded to the application portal. No emailed, faxed, or mailed materials will be accepted. Adobe PDF or Word documents are required. Letters of reference will be requested of those candidates who are included in our short-list or invited to interview. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 2019, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For questions about the position, contact search committee chair Dr. Todd LaMaskin (lamaskint-at-uncw.edu). For questions regarding the online application system contact Human Resources at UNCW. (https://uncw.edu/hr/employment.html).

Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor CalState Chico

The Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico is searching for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor to start August 18, 2020. California State University, Chico seeks faculty who are competent in their field, collaborative with colleagues and staff, and committed to student success.

The ideal candidate will share Chico State’s demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, have prior experience working in culturally and socio-economically diverse learning environments, and will contribute to student success through inclusive pedagogy, research and service to the university and surrounding North State communities. We invite you to apply to our welcoming teacher/scholar environment where you can have a successful career. CSU, Chico is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The university enrolls over 17,000 students annually; 43% are white, 33% are Latinx, 5% are Asian, 3% are African American, .5% are Native American and 5% are multi ethnic. We proudly hold Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, and over half of students will be the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2019. Complete applications received after that date may be considered.

Applicants must provide a current cover letter, a CV, a brief teaching statement, a brief research statement, a complete set of transcripts, All applicants must apply online at:
http://jobs.csuchico.edu/postings/5783. In addition, three letters of reference must be submitted directly to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Emily Fleming-Nuester at enuester@csuchico.edu 

Minimum Education and Experience
The minimum education requirement for appointment to this position is a PhD in microbiology or a related field. We recognize the modern view of microbiology is broad and includes but is not limited to, field microbiology, health microbiology, and applied and industrial microbiology. Candidates nearing completion of the terminal degree may be considered; however, all requirements for conferral of the degree must be met no later than August 17, 2020. A demonstrated ability or potential to establish externally-funded research, a record of publication, and a strong interest in teaching excellence and enthusiasm for mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research are also required. The successful candidate should provide evidence of their commitment to or experience promoting and fostering a learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Requirements and Responsibilities for this position
This position carries responsibilities in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. Teaching assignments total 10-14 class hours per week and includes, at a minimum, majors’ introductory microbiology lecture and lab (BIOL 371W), which focuses heavily on bacteria. In addition, based upon qualifications of the individual and the needs of the department, the candidate might participate in other majors’ courses ranging from lower-division undergraduate to graduate courses, or alternatively a non-majors’ introductory microbiology course. Scholarship duties include developing an externally-funded research program involving undergraduate and graduate students, supported by a startup package including research space, equipment and supply funding, and partial release time from teaching in the first two years of the appointment. Service duties include undergraduate advising of microbiology and biology majors, and committee work.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment.

Recruitment Preferences
Postdoctoral experience, evidence of teaching proficiency and additional expertise in candidate’s area of specialty. Candidates who can interact with current faculty in microbiology, cell biology, genetics, immunology, and biochemistry are especially sought, as are candidates with research expertise to help run and upgrade research/teaching facilities in microbiology or molecular biology.

Geobiology Gordon Research Seminar (GRS)

Dear Geobiology Community,

We are excited to introduce a new Geobiology Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) to be held January 11-12, 2020 (just before the Gordon Research Conference) in Galveston, TX.  

GRS will focus on integrative and emerging disciplines in geobiology used to assess critical biological, chemical, and physical processes and feedbacks, as well as reconstruct how these have changed over Earth's history. GRS sessions highlight new experimental and conceptual approaches, and current research questions within the field. 

The GRS chairs and discussion leaders are hoping to gather a global group of scientists, especially graduate students and postdocs, to exchange ideas, techniques, and expertise from disparate subdisciplines of geobiology. Schedule, registration instructions, and other relevant information can be found here: https://www.grc.org/geobiology-grs-conference/2020/

Looking forward to seeing you in Galveston,

Chairs: John, Marie

Discussion leaders: Hayley, Heda, Keyron, Martin