Opportunities

Description: One full-time position for a research assistant is available in the Aquatic Ecology Lab at The Ohio State University. The Research Technician will work on the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources– Division of Wildlife (ODNR-DOW) funded Lake Erie Plankton Abundance Study (LEPAS). LEPAS has been monitoring phytoplankton and zooplankton in Lake Erie since 1995.

The Research Technicians’ duties will include counting zooplankton samples, analyzing chlorophyll a samples, overseeing undergraduate volunteers/workers (helping with sample buffering, chlorophyll a samples, or counting Bythotrephes samples). The Research Technician will also mentor undergraduate workers and volunteers. Ideally, the Research Technician would also help manage the LEPAS plankton database, prepare data for collaborators, and assist in drafting proposals, annual reports, and proposal budgets.

Location: Successful candidates will join a dynamic, interactive group of faculty, post-docs, and students at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology in Columbus, Ohio.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in ecology or related field. One year experience in laboratory enumerating invertebrate taxa, preferably zooplankton, and/or conducting ecological research. This experience could include undergraduate or graduate research.

Salary: $17.10 - $22.50/hour plus a comprehensive benefits package. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

How to apply: Applications (1. A cover letter describing career goals and relevant experience; 2. a CV or resume; and 3. Contact information for three references), can be submitted at The Ohio State University classified site: https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Research-Senior-Technician_R97548-1. If this link does not work, search R97548 on the OSU Workday job search site.

Please direct questions to Jim Hood (hood.211@osu.edu). We will start reviewing applications on June 17th and continue until the position is filled.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field. The College values diversity and offers a supportive, open, and inclusive community.

Description: Drs. Jim Hood and Stu Ludsin at The Ohio State University are seeking a postdoc to work on a Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) project focused on developing quantitative and qualitative models of the Lake Erie ecosystem to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management of Lake Whitefish, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Specifically, this project focuses on developing and evaluating conceptual models describing how the recruitment of the focal species is influenced by climate change, nutrient management, fishery harvests, and invasive species. We will engage stakeholders in a workshop to develop conceptual models as a fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) and also utilize an information-rich timeseries dataset to quantitatively evaluate those conceptual models. The post doc would be expected to use the timeseries data to quantitatively evaluate the ecosystem model and develop quantitative predictive models of recruitment that can ideally support ecosystem- based fisheries management by identifying potential indictor variables and management thresholds/targets.

Additional research responsibilities include writing, editing, and submitting manuscripts for publication; submitting annual progress reports to the GLFC; and presenting research talks to sponsors and stakeholders and at professional meetings. Opportunities to help mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers and teaching can be made available, if desired.

Duration: Two years of funding exists for this position. An ideal start date for this position is Summer 2024.

Qualifications: Required qualifications include: (1) a PhD in fisheries science, limnology, ecology, or related field; (2) a strong statistical background; (3) demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, as evidenced by first-authored publications; and (4) strong written and oral communication skills. Experience managing and analyzing large datasets with time-series analysis, structural equation models, or generalized additive models would be beneficial, as would the ability and desire to collaborate with academics and agency biologists.

Salary: $61,008 annually, plus comprehensive benefits package

Location: Successful candidates will join a dynamic, interactive group of faculty, post-docs, and students at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL), in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology. Office space and computer support will be provided in the AEL, located on Ohio State’s main campus. Annual support to attend scientific meetings will also be provided.

How to apply: Questions about this position should be directed to Jim Hood (hood.211@osu.edu). An application link for this position has not yet been created.

A complete application will require: 1) a cover letter, 2) a personal statement describing research interests, career goals, and relevant experience; 3) a current CV; and 4) contact information for three professional references. We will begin reviewing applications on 17 June 2024.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.

We are looking for qualified students to fill work-study positions at the AEL. Specific tasks for our Work-Study students include field sampling, in-lab sample processing, and data entry. We strive to ensure that Work-Study students also have opportunities to participate in lab and field research associated with other ongoing projects. AEL graduate students and faculty are committed to educating Work-Study students in the art of scientific research in a cooperative and supportive work environment. 

Projects with Dr. Lindsey Bruckerhoff: R88697 - apply here

Projects with Dr. Casey Pennock: R88875 - apply here

Projects with Dr. Jim Hood: R98164 - apply here

Projects with Dr. Stuart Ludsin: R84803 - apply here

AEL faculty seek energetic, committed undergraduate students who are interested in conducting research for OSU credit that focuses on ecologically oriented projects in freshwater ecosystems. For all projects, we ask students for, at minimum, a commitment of one year. For more information, please contact Drs. Lindsey Bruckerhoff, Jim Hood, Stuart Ludsin, or Casey Pennock. 

If you are interested in volunteering in our lab, please reach out to Jenny Pfaff (pfaff.20@osu.edu).