The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, MD is seeking a broadly-trained Research Ecologist with expertise in ecosystem conservation. The successful applicant is expected to lead an innovative research program focused on the conservation and restoration of ecosystem function and biodiversity, and to develop science-based strategies to preserve and restore ecosystems. The candidate’s research may encompass terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and/or marine ecosystems that complement SERC’s diverse terrestrial, wetland, aquatic, and marine ecosystem research in coastal landscapes. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct research on ecosystem conservation theory and practical approaches using SERC’s 2,650-acre, long-term study site in the Rhode River watershed of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay region, plus comparative studies in multiple landscapes.
Successful candidates will be expected to develop a research program that is primarily grant-funded, and we are particularly interested in candidates with a demonstrated interest and ability to conduct collaborative team-based research. That program will complement and integrate with existing interdisciplinary research strengths at SERC, such as invasive species, diseases, food web dynamics, fisheries, landscape ecology, biogeochemistry, and human impacts in the coastal zone. Requirements include: • A professional equivalent to a Ph.D. in ecology, conservation ecology, environmental biology, or other relevant discipline; • Demonstrated experience in writing successful proposals for substantial competitive research grants; • Demonstrated record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals; • Comprehensive knowledge of good laboratory practices and protocols in the incumbent’s area of research; broad understanding and knowledge of scientific and statistical methods of field sampling, experimental design and data analysis; and • Expert knowledge of the scientific literature in the candidate’s area of expertise pertaining to ecosystem conservation. Highly desired: • Demonstrated knowledge and experience working as part of a team of scientists, technicians, students and/or fellows in natural, modified, restored and managed ecosystems; • Experience conducting ecosystem conservation research using comparative approaches and multiple ecosystems; • Experience in monitoring and experimental analysis of ecosystem resilience, vulnerability, and sustainability; • Experience in mentoring university-level interns and/or graduate students in environmental research; and • Strong communication skills for explaining environmental research to public audiences and policy makers. A more detailed description of SERC's programs can be obtained at www.serc.si.edu. How to Apply: This is a full-time, career Federal Civil Service position at the GS-13 level (Salary starting at $92,145) with federal employment benefits. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer, and women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 4, 2016, THROUGH THE USAJOBS WEBSITE FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT AND LINK: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/429235100
