Research Scientist - Grassland Microbial Ecologist

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Job Details:

This is a grant-funded, full-time position that ends July 31, 2027; with the potential for extension contingent upon future funding and the achievement of research objectives.

Security sensitive; criminal background check conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon clearing background check requirement.

The Research Scientist will contribute to emerging research in invasion ecology with a focus on the microbial ecology of grassland invasions in Texas. Key research areas are plant - soil interactions and endophytic fungal ecology relevant to understanding and managing focal invasive grass species especially guinea grass and buffelgrass. Contribute to the Invasive Species Research Program by developing impactful studies that align with program goals.

• Design and Conduct Innovative Research: Elucidate the ecological processes and mechanisms that underlie invasion success of exotic species in Texas. Develop hypothesis-based investigations into plant - microbial interactions to examine mechanisms of plant microbial associations, plant community dynamics, invasion processes and restoration dynamics. Explore general themes of invasion biology arising from these studies.

• Advance management and restoration strategies for these invasive grasses using microbial approaches. Lead collaborative initiatives to develop, test, and implement management solutions.

• Funding Development and Stakeholder Engagement: Assist PI's in building strong relationships with landowners, agencies, and academic collaborators. Contribute to the funding success of the research group through grant proposal development for ongoing and novel funding opportunities.

• Disseminate high-impact findings: Publish research results in leading journals and present findings at strategic conferences and seminars.

• Team Leadership and Collaborations: Coordinate research implementation in collaboration with internal teams and external partners through effective planning, resource management and communications. Oversee, train and mentor technicians and undergraduate research assistants.

• Manage this research program, producing deliverables on time, keeping projects within budget, meeting project reporting and publication requirements, and ensuring that the program is appropriately resourced.

• Contribute to Lab Excellence: Support a safe and professionally managed laboratory environment. Help maintain efficient research operations and contribute to administrative functions as needed.

Candidate must have completed a PhD with a focus on plant-microbial ecology, or a related discipline. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Postdoctoral experience in the field of plant-microbial ecology

• Highly skilled in modern molecular methods relevant to microbial ecology.

• Passion for plant-microbial studies in field and laboratory settings.

• Expertise in invasive species ecology, through theoretical and empirical studies.

• A strong publication record and excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within diverse research teams.

• Track record of writing successful proposals.

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

$90,000 + depending on qualifications

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)

• Occasional evenings and weekends required

• May work around standard office conditions

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

• May work in all weather conditions

• May work in extreme temperatures

• May work around chemical fumes

• May work around biohazards

• May work around chemicals

• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards

• Use of manual dexterity

• Flexible: 40 hours/week is required, and most of this time should be during normal business hours (e.g., 9:00am-5:00pm), although it may change depending on projects being pursued.

• Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications

• Minimum of three (3) letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin

• Letter of interest

• Research Statement

• PhD verification (copy of diploma or copy of official transcript in English with "degree awarded" information)

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.