Opportunities

Description: The Hood Lab is seeking a Research Senior Technician who will work on several projects focused on understanding stream and river phosphorus cycling and bioavailability in the western Lake Erie watershed. Job duties include conducting field sampling, running phosphorus uptake and sorption/desorption assays, and processing dissolved, colloid, sediment, and plant samples for phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, chlorophyll-a and other constituents. The technician will support allied projects by conducting lab analyses when available. The technician will also curate and analyze data and helps prepare reports and scientific manuscripts. Opportunities for mentoring undergraduate students and collaborating on research projects are available. This position will be located at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory.

Required Experience:  A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field (ecology, natural resources, environmental science). Two years of experience (including undergraduate research) in the collection and analysis of dissolved and particulate samples for phosphorus. Knowledge of ecology, freshwater science, or biogeochemistry.

Salary: $17.10 – $22.5, depending upon experience.

Application Procedure: Applications can be submitted through the posting on the The Ohio State University classified site. Please direct questions to Jim Hood (hood.211@osu.edu). We will start reviewing applications on 25 Apr 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

 Application Link: Research-Senior-Technician_R126015-1

Description: Dr. Stuart Ludsin is seeking a post-doctoral scientist to help on a long-term project designed to advance the use of ecosystem-based approaches to fisheries management in the North American Great Lakes Basin. The post-doc would be expected to conduct literature reviews, organize workshops, and implement surveys of database managers/developers, fishery managers, and academic and agency researchers, to help identify a data-sharing architecture (“database ecosystem”) suitable for use in the Great Lakes Basin. A potential need to conduct structured or semi-structured interviews also exists. Ideally, this database ecosystem would allow end-users  (e.g., academic and agency researchers, fishery managers) to simultaneously query independent Great Lakes databases and download their needed data through a user-friendly online interface.

In addition to writing and submitting manuscripts for publication to peer-reviewed journals, the post-doc would be expected to present findings at management and scientific meetings, as well as help generate annual progress reports to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which is this project’s sponsor. The opportunity to contribute to ongoing fisheries-focused research in the Great Lakes basin, including refining and using an independent Great Lakes Recruitment and Ecosystem (GLaRE) database would also exist, if of interest.

Duration: Funding exists for two years with an ideal start time being Summer 2025.

Qualifications: Required qualifications include: (1) a PhD in social science, data science, computer science, information systems, environmental science, ecology, or related field; (2) demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications; and (3) strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability and desire to interact with Great Lakes stakeholders and database managers/developers from diverse international organizations. While knowledge of database development and associated programming could prove beneficial, it is not required.

Salary: $61,008-63,000 annually, depending on experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Location: Successful candidates would join a dynamic, interactive group of faculty, post-docs, and students at the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL) within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB) on The Ohio State University’s main (Columbus) campus. Computing support and office space would be available in the AEL. Working remotely is NOT possible.

How to apply: Submit to apps.ael@gmail.com in a single .pdf file: 1) a cover letter highlighting your research background and interests; 2) a full CV; and 3) names and contact information of three references. Please include “Database Postdoc” and your last name in the subject line. 

Application review will begin May 19^th and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Questions about the position can be addressed to Stuart Ludsin (ludsin.1@osu.edu).

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).