Diatoms of North AmericaThe Research Associate will assist with a recent Interstate Commission on The Potomac River Basin / Virginia Department of Environmental Quality award, Investigation of Drivers of Harmful Algal Blooms on the Shenandoah River, Virginia.
This project monitors benthic algae by traditional microscopy and pigment analysis to determine the composition of algal communities with a focus on toxigenic cyanobacteria. These data are coupled with measurement of cyanotoxins (i.e., anatoxins, microcystins, saxitoxins, etc.) as well as standard water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, chl-a, TP, TN/TKN, DOC, DOM, etc. This research will contribute to the characterization and forecasting of blooms of toxigenic cyanobacteria in the Shenandoah River and nearby freshwater habitats.
The selected candidate will be responsible for identifying, enumerating, cataloging, and characterizing monthly collected benthic algal samples and isolating and culturing targeted taxa for genomic and toxic analysis. The selected candidate will also assist in fieldwork in wadable river stretches to collect algal and water samples and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The desired candidate will be a recent Ph.D. in Phycology who will qualify for a Post-doctoral Research Associate position.
The position offers a competitive salary of $62,000/year, complete with state benefits. Postdoctoral Research Associates will be considered for co-authorship on papers resulting from the studies.
Applicationreview will begin February 20, 2024. Interested candidates should send a statement of interest, current CV, and the names and email addresses of two references who can attest to their credentials to Dr. Rosalina Stancheva Christova.
