Assistant Research Professor - Estuarine & Ocean Sciences

$70,000 - $75,000/Yr

University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Dartmouth, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Research Professor in Estuarine and Ocean Sciences at UMass Dartmouth will lead the Biodegradability Lab Core, focusing on biodegradability testing and research. This role involves managing laboratory operations, conducting experiments, and securing funding for research projects. The position is grant-funded for one year, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and publish research manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Develop and submit proposals for external funding to support research projects.
• Manage grant-funded research, including budgeting, hiring, purchasing, and progress reporting.
• Conduct laboratory experiments using standard and specialized techniques and methods.
• Perform and oversee biodegradability and compostability tests, including biological degradability assessments in various conditions.
• Provide leadership for core facility operations, ensuring effective collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.
• Oversee the delivery, handling, and preparation of experimental materials for biodegradability testing.
• Collect, prepare, and maintain inocula from various sources such as seawater, sludge, and soil.
• Initiate, monitor, and conduct biodegradation tests in a range of environments.
• Measure biodegradability through CO₂ and CH4 evolution and oxygen consumption.
• Analyze and process raw data, ensuring accuracy and thorough reporting.
• Oversee the management, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory and computational equipment.
• Lead efforts to certify and optimize standardized biodegradability test methods.
• Participate in ASTM and ISO subcommittees to stay informed on polymer biodegradation standards.
• Design experimental programs and develop standard operating procedures for ASTM standard methods.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants, as well as post-doctoral and technical associates.
• Provide training on advanced research techniques, methods, and equipment use.
• Collaborate with industry partners, government laboratories, and agencies on joint research initiatives.
• Present research findings at academic conferences and professional gatherings.
• Oversee and engage with web-based communication platforms.
• Collaborate with the Coastal Systems Program laboratory for nutrient sample processing and equipment sharing.
• Adhere to all safety standards and promote a culture of safety in the laboratory environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D in Marine Science, Biogeochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical/Biological Engineering or a related field.
• Proven record of research accomplishment through publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participation in externally funded research projects in an area of strategic interest to the University.
• Secure source of external funding to support salary and fringe benefits.

Nice-to-haves

• A track record of successful grant proposal submission and funding as a principal investigator.
• Experience in material and surface characterization techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, and SEM.
• Proficient in mechanical testing, wear analysis, and the study of polymer degradation, particularly in marine environments.

Benefits

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays