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College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences - Research Associate (Postdoctoral)

Position:  The College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences (COAS) at Oregon State University (OSU) announces the availability of a full-time position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, to work on the development of benthic microbial fuel cells as power sources for ocean sensors and acoustic communication devices.

 Background Information: COAS is one of the world's leading oceanographic and atmospheric sciences graduate research institutions, with more than 200 faculty and staff members, more than 90 graduate students, and a wide variety of assets including an excellent computing infrastructure, state-of-the-art analytical facilities, and two research vessels. The supervisor for this position has a well equipped laboratory at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center that offers direct ocean access for the project.

 Appointment:  Full-time, 1.0 FTE, 12-month fixed-term appointment, with possibility of renewal for a total of 2 years subject to performance and availability of funds. Salary range: $45,000-$47,000. 

 Responsibilities and Duties:   The focus of the successful candidate's research will be on development of benthic microbial fuel cells as power sources for ocean sensors and acoustic communication devices. This will involve working with the PI to:

1.         Conduct laboratory experiments to determine the effects on long term performance of applying short oxidative or reductive potential pulses to electrodes in benthic microbial fuel cells.

2.         Conduct a field experiment that demonstrates using a benthic microbial fuel cell to power a moored autonomous chemical sensor and a sonar modem that transmits data to shore.

3.         Design and maintain a project website.

4.         Assist with other lab and seagoing projects involving electrochemical sensors.

The candidate is expected to work primarily at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center, but there will be extended visits to the main OSU campus for use of analytical facilities and interactions with other academic groups.

 Qualifications:  A PhD in chemical oceanography, electrochemistry, environmental engineering, or related field is required. Experience working with microbial fuel cells and/or electrochemical sensors, and good oral and written communication skills are advantageous.  Additional preference will be given to candidates with some background in sampling and analytical methods in aquatic chemistry and with SCUBA certification.  It is preferred that the candidate is available to start between March 1, 2009 and June 1, 2009. A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity is also preferred.

 University and Community:  OSU is one of only two American universities to hold the Land-, Sea-, Sun- and Space-Grant designations and is the only Oregon institution recognized for its "very high research activity" (RU/VH) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. OSU is comprised of 11 academic colleges with strengths in natural resources, earth dynamics and sustainability, life sciences, entrepreneurship and the arts and sciences. OSU has facilities and/or programs in every county in the state, including 12 regional experiment stations, 41 county extension offices, a branch campus in Bend, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) on the Oregon coast. HMSC has a 40 year history of research, education, and outreach. It encompasses a large group of partners on its 49 acre site on Yaquina Bay in Newport, Oregon. Within OSU, HMSC includes researchers, students, or faculty from five colleges and more than ten departments, and serves as home to several University programs.

The university has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism and community. We actively engage in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body that include members of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides outstanding leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity and building community.

 Application Closing: For full consideration, applications must be received by February 15, 2009.

 To Apply:  Applications for employment should consist of a letter of scientific interest, a detailed curriculum vita that includes a description of relevant skills and experiences, future research interests, a list of publications, and the names and addresses (including email addresses) of at least four references. To access application instructions, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs, posting 0003734, and for the position announcement, go to http://www.coas.oregonstate.edu/  Inquiries about the position may be directed via email to Dr. Clare Reimers ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

 Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer