GSA Geobiology & Geomicrobiology recognizes that diversity in the geosciences is a major ongoing problem. To our Black and minority members from every country: You belong here. We hear you. We support you. We have to do better for you and we will. Not just in times of crisis, but always. Not with words, but with actions. The GBGM Division Leaders vow to educate ourselves about issues of racism in science and work to improve inclusion within GBGM. Racism of any kind is not tolerated by GSA and has no place in our division.
All members are expected to practice ethical behavior and to follow the GSA code of Conduct (www.geosociety.org/gsa/membership/code-of-ethics/gsa/membership/code-of-ethics.aspx). Any member that does not adhere to this code of conduct will not be welcome in the GBGM Division and inappropriate behavior will be immediately reported to GSA.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Friday, May 29, 2020
Position in Paleobotany at the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin
The Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin is currently hiring for a paleobotanist. This is basically equivalent to a curator position in other museums, with research and collections-based duties, and a ’tenure review’ after two years. Fluency in German would eventually be required as part of the job, but non-speakers are strongly encouraged to apply and will not be disqualified.
The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin provides an excellent research environment. It houses comprehensive and excellent palaeobotanical collections as well as an herbarium, state-of-the-art laboratories for palaeontological preparation, 3D-visualization (including its own CT scanner), histology, molecular genetics and computation. Numerous independent research groups are working in a wide range of research fields including palaeobiology, evolutionary biology and biodiversity research.
Deadline 31 July 2020. Applications preferably submitted online.
Job posting in English: https://jobs.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/jobposting/3a1af7026643a3a1b12358a05e6d91c3f39a509a
Job posting in German: https://jobs.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/jobposting/a8401440e136c0b8ae01219e5a6035b86467603f
Please contact committee head Mark-Oliver Rödel with any questions Mark-Oliver.Roedel@mfn.berlin
The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin provides an excellent research environment. It houses comprehensive and excellent palaeobotanical collections as well as an herbarium, state-of-the-art laboratories for palaeontological preparation, 3D-visualization (including its own CT scanner), histology, molecular genetics and computation. Numerous independent research groups are working in a wide range of research fields including palaeobiology, evolutionary biology and biodiversity research.
Deadline 31 July 2020. Applications preferably submitted online.
Job posting in English: https://jobs.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/jobposting/3a1af7026643a3a1b12358a05e6d91c3f39a509a
Job posting in German: https://jobs.museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/jobposting/a8401440e136c0b8ae01219e5a6035b86467603f
Please contact committee head Mark-Oliver Rödel with any questions Mark-Oliver.Roedel@mfn.berlin
Monday, May 18, 2020
NSF Rotator for Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is searching for a Rotator to serve as a Program Director in the Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology (SGP) program in the Division of Earth Sciences (EAR). If you or someone you know might be interested in spending one to three years at NSF in Alexandria, VA, we would like to hear from you. You can read the job posting and eligibility requirements on the NSF website at https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/ear19001/ear19001.jsp
We are open to applicants from the full range of program expertise and career stages. Although our primary workplace is near Washington, DC, funds are made available to rotators to return home on a regular basis, and the continuation of one’s research program is encouraged and supported. The agency also has flexible work schedules and telework options (greatly expanded to protect NSF staff and the community against COVID-19). Details about NSF’s Rotator Program can be found at https://beta.nsf.gov/careers/rotator-programs
If you are interested in learning more about this position, please get in touch with Dena Smith-Nufio, SGP Program Director.
We are open to applicants from the full range of program expertise and career stages. Although our primary workplace is near Washington, DC, funds are made available to rotators to return home on a regular basis, and the continuation of one’s research program is encouraged and supported. The agency also has flexible work schedules and telework options (greatly expanded to protect NSF staff and the community against COVID-19). Details about NSF’s Rotator Program can be found at https://beta.nsf.gov/careers/rotator-programs
If you are interested in learning more about this position, please get in touch with Dena Smith-Nufio, SGP Program Director.
Visiting Assistant Professor, Paleoceanography - UC Davis
The Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at the University of CaliforniaDavis, invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor to teach undergraduate courses and conduct research during the 2020-2021 academic year, with the possibility of renewal through academic year 2021- 2022 (recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03550). Candidates must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a Geosciences, Oceanography or related field. Preference will be given to candidates who have a background in the fields of Paleoceanography or Marine Geology.
The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate an interest in and ability to conduct research in Paleoceanography and/or Oceanography in an Earth system science context. The successful applicant will be required to teach four undergraduate courses/year which could include: The Oceans (a general education introduction, offered two times/year), Oceanography (an introduction at an upper-division level for majors), Physical/Chemical Oceanography (upper-division, for majors), Geological Oceanography (upper-division, for majors), and/or similar courses as needed by the Department. The candidate should be prepared for some component of this teaching to be online, if necessary. The selected candidate will interact closely with the Marine & Coastal Science and Geology undergraduate majors and have opportunities to mentor undergraduate students within this program.
The selected candidate will have access to a broad range of facilities for scanning, geochemical, and isotopic analysis that exist in the Department and associated with interdisciplinary centers across campus. The candidate will also be part of the Coastal & Marine Sciences Institute community and will have access to facilities at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. The annual salary for this position is $70,100. To apply, submit the following electronically to: recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03550
UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply including women, individuals from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
The successful applicant will be expected to demonstrate an interest in and ability to conduct research in Paleoceanography and/or Oceanography in an Earth system science context. The successful applicant will be required to teach four undergraduate courses/year which could include: The Oceans (a general education introduction, offered two times/year), Oceanography (an introduction at an upper-division level for majors), Physical/Chemical Oceanography (upper-division, for majors), Geological Oceanography (upper-division, for majors), and/or similar courses as needed by the Department. The candidate should be prepared for some component of this teaching to be online, if necessary. The selected candidate will interact closely with the Marine & Coastal Science and Geology undergraduate majors and have opportunities to mentor undergraduate students within this program.
The selected candidate will have access to a broad range of facilities for scanning, geochemical, and isotopic analysis that exist in the Department and associated with interdisciplinary centers across campus. The candidate will also be part of the Coastal & Marine Sciences Institute community and will have access to facilities at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. The annual salary for this position is $70,100. To apply, submit the following electronically to: recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03550
- Cover letter
- CV
- Statement of research
- Statement of teaching experience and interests
- Statement of contributions to diversity
- Names and addresses of three references
UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply including women, individuals from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Monday, May 11, 2020
PhD Position, Paleoecology, Miami University, Ohio
PhD Position, Paleoecology, Miami University, Ohio
Project title: Identifying ecosystem properties promoting stability and resistance: Modeling Late Ordovician paleocommunity dynamics and functioning across the Richmondian Invasion
PI: Dr. Carrie Tyler
PI: Dr. Carrie Tyler
Email: tylercl at miamioh.edu
Website: https://www.carrietyler.com
Start date and duration: Fall Semester 2020 for 4 years.
Position description:
I am pleased to announce a PhD fellowship for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person interested in shallow marine Ordovician ecosystems and the effects of invasion on community structure. Background knowledge of quantitative paleoecological data analysis, R, graph theory, network analysis, predator-prey interactions, or Ordovician ecosystems are desirable but not required.
Project description:
Position description:
I am pleased to announce a PhD fellowship for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person interested in shallow marine Ordovician ecosystems and the effects of invasion on community structure. Background knowledge of quantitative paleoecological data analysis, R, graph theory, network analysis, predator-prey interactions, or Ordovician ecosystems are desirable but not required.
Project description:
The Cincinnati Series (USA) preserves a well-documented influx of species which will be used to construct food web models of shallow marine paleocommunities from the Late Ordovician (Katian) before, during, and after the Richmondian Invasion to test hypotheses determining the effects of biotic immigrations on ecosystem structure and functioning. This project aims to identify changes in ecosystem dynamics resulting from asymmetrical biotic interchange, isolate properties promoting stability and resistance, and make explicit predictions regarding the outcome of Antarctic invasions. This project has a strong programming component, and the successful candidate will be required to develop high competencies in R, particularly with respect to graph theory.
Setting and requirements:
The project is funded by a grant from the NSF grant to PI Tyler, and will provide support in the form of a Research Graduate Assistantship for up to four years contingent upon adequate degree progress. Master students that are graduating over the summer are welcome to apply. More information about Miami University can be found at: https://miamioh.edu/cas/
Application requirements:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field prior to start date (geosciences, paleontology or paleobiology or equivalent)
- Eager to acquire new competences and knowledge
- Fluent in English with high competency in writing in English
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, and to work independently
- Ability to write clear scientific reports and disseminate results
- Strong quantitative skills
- Strong quantitative skills
How to apply:
Please contact Dr. Carrie Tyler (tylercl at miamioh.edu) to discuss your interest in the position and include your CV. The successful candidate will be required to apply for admission to the PhD program at Miami University, more information about graduate admission requirements can be found here: https://miamioh.edu/graduate-
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
2020 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 2020 awards go to Emmy Smith (pre-tenure), Greg Dick (post-tenure), and Kurt Konhauser and Will Berelson (distinguished career; we couldn't choose which one of these guys was the most deserving... so we just decided to have two awards this year) Please check out their brief biographies below and explore their websites for further details about their research.
Dr. Emmy Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. She is a field geologist interested in the co-evolution of life, climate, oceans, and tectonics during the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian. Her approach integrates geologic mapping, regional stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, stable isotope geochemistry, and geochronology to better understand mechanisms for environmental and evolutionary change during this unusual interval in Earth’s history.
Dr. Gregory (Greg) Dick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. He studies how microorganisms interact with each other and with geochemistry, mostly on the modern Earth but also to understand Earth’s geobiological history. Current research is focused on cyanobacteria; he aims to determine the controls on oxygen production in cyanobacterial mats and the environmental and biological factors that influence the production of toxins in harmful cyanobacterial blooms. He is particularly interested in merging approaches from molecular biology, microbiology, and geochemistry.
Dr. William (Will) M. Berelson is a Professor of Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California, where he has taught and conducted research for over 40 years. His early studies of bioturbation in St. Croix sands and North Carolina barrier island migration naturally(?) led him to a lifelong love of biogeochemistry. Many studies of benthic fluxes and elemental cycling in the ocean have been supported by his Rube Goldberg-like invention habit. His recent work is on calcium carbonate dissolution kinetics, CO2 sequestration, and the urban C cycle. In 2002, he and Kurt Hanselmann, with Agouron Foundation support, launched the Geobiology Summer course, which continues today cross-training graduate students and building a supportive and intellectual cohort. Degrees in geology at U. Rochester, Duke and USC have left him with great friendships and excellent basketball and football teams to cheer.
Dr. Kurt O. Konhauser is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. Kurt is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Geobiology, author of Introduction to Geomicrobiology, founding member and 1st President of the Geobiology Society, and organizer for the 2017 and 2019 Geobiology Society Conferences in Banff. Kurt obtained his PhD from the University of Western Ontario before undertaking postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto and an academic appointment at the University of Leeds. Kurt moved to the University of Alberta in 2002 where he was the Canada Research Chair in Geomicrobiology. His research interests span a number of facets of geobiology and geomicrobiology including reconstructing the evolution of the biosphere across Earth’s history, modern analogue environments, and the surface reactivity of microbes and minerals. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Geochemical Society, and the American Geophysical Union.
We are pleased to announce that the 2020 awards go to Emmy Smith (pre-tenure), Greg Dick (post-tenure), and Kurt Konhauser and Will Berelson (distinguished career; we couldn't choose which one of these guys was the most deserving... so we just decided to have two awards this year) Please check out their brief biographies below and explore their websites for further details about their research.
Pre-Tenure Award Recipient: Emmy F. Smith (Johns Hopkins University)
Dr. Emmy Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. She is a field geologist interested in the co-evolution of life, climate, oceans, and tectonics during the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian. Her approach integrates geologic mapping, regional stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, stable isotope geochemistry, and geochronology to better understand mechanisms for environmental and evolutionary change during this unusual interval in Earth’s history.
Post-Tenure Award Recipient: Gregory Dick (University of Michigan)
Distinguished Career Award Recipient: William M. Berelson (University of Southern California)
Distinguished Career Award Recipient: Kurt Konhauser (University of Alberta)
Dr. Kurt O. Konhauser is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. Kurt is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Geobiology, author of Introduction to Geomicrobiology, founding member and 1st President of the Geobiology Society, and organizer for the 2017 and 2019 Geobiology Society Conferences in Banff. Kurt obtained his PhD from the University of Western Ontario before undertaking postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto and an academic appointment at the University of Leeds. Kurt moved to the University of Alberta in 2002 where he was the Canada Research Chair in Geomicrobiology. His research interests span a number of facets of geobiology and geomicrobiology including reconstructing the evolution of the biosphere across Earth’s history, modern analogue environments, and the surface reactivity of microbes and minerals. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Geochemical Society, and the American Geophysical Union.
Please join us in congratulating these exceptional scientists at the GSA Geobiology Division Award Presentation (a.k.a. the GBGM Lunch) during the 2020 GSA in Montreal, Canada.
Monday, May 4, 2020
Cluster Hire in Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere Interactions, University of Tübingen
The Department of Geosciences at the University of Tübingen, Germany, announces the opening of four full professorships (W3) as part of a new cluster hire in the field of Terrestrial Geo-Biosphere interactions. The chosen candidates are expected to develop internationally visible research programs that integrate geoscience research with modern and past biologic and climate processes. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bridge between disciplines and investigate processes active on both recent (human-relevant) and geologic timescales. The candidates are expected to link their research to existing department strengths in geosciences, applied and environmental sciences, geoecology, geography, and also biology-related University units such as the Institute for Ecology and Evolution; Center for Molecular and Plant Biology (ZMBP), and the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology. Connections are also desirable to current University expertise in the area of ‘Machine Learning for Science’ through a University Cluster of Excellence, and through the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironments (HEP) at the University of Tübingen. Teaching should contribute to the programs of Geosciences (BSc and MSc), Geoecology (BSc and MSc), Environmental Sciences (BSc), and Applied and Environmental Geoscience (MSc).
We welcome applications for the following positions:
Required qualifications for all positions include a PhD or equivalent international degree and postdoctoral qualifications equivalent to the requirements for tenure. This includes evidence of teaching effectiveness.
The University of Tübingen is one of 11 Universities in Germany designated as a University of Excellence. It is located in south west Germany, is one of the oldest Universities in Germany, and hosts one of the largest geoscience departments in the country. The department is housed in the new (2020) building with state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. The city of Tübingen is a mid-sized university town that is culturally and internationally diverse, and with an intellectually stimulating atmosphere. The region offers a high-quality and family friendly standard of living with abundant recreational and cultural opportunities. More information is available at: https://www.tuebingen.de/en/1815.html.
The University of Tübingen is particularly interested in increasing the number of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages women candidates to apply. In line with its internationalization agenda, the university welcomes applications from researchers outside Germany. In the case of equally qualified candidates, applicants with disabilities will be given preference.
Applications should be in English and include: a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, references, list of publications with links to the publications, 1 page research and 1 page teaching statements, diplomas/certificates, and a completed application from https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/faculties/faculty-of- science/faculty/service-downloads/#c608746 . Applications should be sent via email as a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen (career@mnf.uni- tuebingen.de). Please clearly indicate which of the above position(s) you are applying for in your cover letter as well as your perceived fit with the geoscience, biology, or machine learning research units in the University. Closing date for the applications is June 11, 2020. Enquiries may be directed to the Dean (career@mnf.uni-tuebingen.de) or Department Chair (todd.ehlers@uni-tuebingen.de). Interviews for short-listed candidates will likely occur in Tübingen between Sept. 28 and October 16, 2020, but are subject to change depending on the global health situation.
We welcome applications for the following positions:
- Professor (W3) of Climatology and the Biosphere (Klimatologie und Biosphäre): The preferred candidate will conduct research on terrestrial modern- and paleo-climate with expertise in one or more of the following areas: quantitative analysis of (paleo)climate data, terrestrial climate reconstructions from novel chemical and/or organismic proxy methods, and records of past climate and vegetation change from the Pleistocene to present. Teaching contributions will be in the broad areas of a BSc co- taught course on Biology for Geoscientists, and MSc courses Climate Dynamics, (Paleo)climate methods and analysis, and also a field excursions/mapping course.
- Professor (W3) of Terrestrial Sedimentology (Terrestrische Sedimentologie): We seek candidates with expertise in the broad areas of terrestrial sedimentology and interactions between sedimentology, climate, and the biosphere. Applications from candidates with expertise in process sedimentology or analysis of the geologic record using field based, geochemical, geophysical, biologic, or analog or numerical modeling techniques are welcome. Teaching contributions will include classroom and field- based BSc-level instruction in sedimentology; field excursions or mapping courses; and regional geology.
- Professor (W3) of Near-Surface Geophysics (Geophysik der nahen Erdoberfläche): The chosen candidate is expected to have expertise in observational geophysics and diverse geophysical imaging techniques near the Earth’s surface and critical zone. We seek persons who investigate terrestrial environmental change related to geologic, climate, and biologic processes. Teaching contributions will be in BSc and MSc level courses in solid Earth and Environmental Geophysics. Student instruction in field based geophysical techniques is expected, as is a MSc level course in advanced geophysics.
- Professor (W3) of Geo-Biosphere Interactions (Geo-Biosphären-Wechselwirkungen): We seek candidates who investigate interactions and couplings between the Earth’s surface and biota over either modern or geologic timescales. Fields of study could include (but are not limited to): ecohydrology; rhizosphere processes; vegetation-atmosphere-hydrosphere interactions; surface water hydrology; global biogeochemical cycles; biogeography; vegetation dynamics, biodiversity and climate or geologic processes; or nutrient and element cycling. Techniques used can include: geochemical, molecular, physiological, geophysical, field or greenhouse studies, or analog/numerical modeling experiments. Teaching contributions will include BSc and MSc courses in the candidate’s area of research, including a co-taught BSc course in Biology for Geoscientists, and field excursions.
Required qualifications for all positions include a PhD or equivalent international degree and postdoctoral qualifications equivalent to the requirements for tenure. This includes evidence of teaching effectiveness.
The University of Tübingen is one of 11 Universities in Germany designated as a University of Excellence. It is located in south west Germany, is one of the oldest Universities in Germany, and hosts one of the largest geoscience departments in the country. The department is housed in the new (2020) building with state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities. The city of Tübingen is a mid-sized university town that is culturally and internationally diverse, and with an intellectually stimulating atmosphere. The region offers a high-quality and family friendly standard of living with abundant recreational and cultural opportunities. More information is available at: https://www.tuebingen.de/en/1815.html.
The University of Tübingen is particularly interested in increasing the number of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages women candidates to apply. In line with its internationalization agenda, the university welcomes applications from researchers outside Germany. In the case of equally qualified candidates, applicants with disabilities will be given preference.
Applications should be in English and include: a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, references, list of publications with links to the publications, 1 page research and 1 page teaching statements, diplomas/certificates, and a completed application from https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/faculties/faculty-of- science/faculty/service-downloads/#c608746 . Applications should be sent via email as a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) to the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen (career@mnf.uni- tuebingen.de). Please clearly indicate which of the above position(s) you are applying for in your cover letter as well as your perceived fit with the geoscience, biology, or machine learning research units in the University. Closing date for the applications is June 11, 2020. Enquiries may be directed to the Dean (career@mnf.uni-tuebingen.de) or Department Chair (todd.ehlers@uni-tuebingen.de). Interviews for short-listed candidates will likely occur in Tübingen between Sept. 28 and October 16, 2020, but are subject to change depending on the global health situation.