Assistant Research Professor - Estuarine & Ocean Sciences

OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Assistant Research Professor

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Faculty Federation

DEPARTMENT: DEOS-SMAST

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chair of the Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences

SUPERVISES: Graduate and advanced undergraduate students, Technical and Research Associates

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences (DEOS) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology in New Bedford, MA, seeks a research faculty candidate to lead the Biodegradability Lab Core and its related facilities (https://www.umassd.edu/smast/about/facilities/biodegradability-lab/). This state-of-the-art lab is equipped to test experimental materials, as well as related respirometry applications that require high sensitivity measurements of gas production. Biodegradability tests can be conducted following standard operation procedures developed in adherence with ASTM D6691 (seawater), D5511 (landfill), D5210 (wastewater), and D5338 (compost) standard methods or customized to meet specific client requirements. The low levels of biological activity associated with plastic biomineralization can be detected using each of the lab's five respirometry systems (Micro-Oxymax, Columbus Instruments). The research faculty will actively promote the core facility to attract and retain industry partners and secure extramural grants to support an externally funded research program aligned with DEOS's strategic priorities.

Research faculty may serve as principal or co-principal investigators on grants or contracts administered by the University. Research faculty may serve on departmental, college/school and university committees but may not participate in personnel decisions. Research faculty also may serve on graduate student supervisory committees but may not serve as sole chairs of graduate student committees. This is a one year grant funded position, subject to renewal upon mutual consent, the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.. For more departmental details, please visit www.umassd.edu/smast/departments/estuarine-and-ocean-sciences/. This is a one year grant funded position, subject to renewal upon mutual consent, the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The funding for this position will represent 83% of the total annual salary. The incumbent will have the opportunity to raise the remaining 17% through additional grant funding.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, submit, and publish research manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Develop and submit proposals for external funding to support research projects.
• Manage grant-funded research, including budgeting, hiring, purchasing, and progress reporting.
• Conduct laboratory experiments using standard and specialized techniques and methods.
• Perform and oversee biodegradability and compostability tests, including biological degradability assessments in compost, soil, freshwater, seawater, and anaerobic conditions.

CORE FACILITY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership for core facility operations, ensuring effective collaboration across interdisciplinary teams to manage multiple projects, timelines, and goals.
• Oversee the delivery, handling, and preparation of experimental materials for biodegradability testing.
• Collect, prepare, and maintain inocula from various sources such as seawater, sludge, and soil.
• Initiate, monitor, and conduct biodegradation tests in a range of environments, ensuring optimal testing conditions.
• Measure biodegradability through CO and CH₄ evolution and oxygen consumption, utilizing both closed and open-loop respirometry techniques.
• Analyze and process raw data, ensuring accuracy and thorough reporting.
• Oversee the management, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory and computational equipment to ensure operational readiness. Diagnose and repair instrumentation when feasible.
• Lead efforts to certify and optimize standardized biodegradability test methods.
• Participate in ASTM and ISO subcommittees to stay informed on polymer biodegradation standards and contribute to the development of new methodologies.
• Design experimental programs and develop standard operating procedures for ASTM standard methods and research activities.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants, as well as post-doctoral and technical associates.
• Provide training on advanced research techniques, methods, and equipment use.
• Collaborate with industry partners, government laboratories, and agencies on joint research initiatives.
• Present research findings at academic conferences, program reviews, and other professional gatherings.
• Oversee and engage with web-based communication platforms.
• Collaborate with the Coastal Systems Program laboratory for nutrient sample processing and equipment sharing.
• Adhere to all safety standards and promote a culture of safety in the laboratory environment.
• Perform additional duties as required to support the overall mission of the research program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Ph.D in Marine Science, Biogeochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical/Biological Engineering or a related field
• EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have a proven record of research accomplishment through publication in peer reviewed journals and participation in externally funded research projects in an area of strategic interest to the University. Candidates for this position must have a secure source of external funding that can be used to support the costs of their salary and fringe benefits - for example grant funding from a State or Federal agency.
• OTHER: Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in scholarly accomplishments, and a capability to build a strong research program with extramural support.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A track record of successful grant proposal submission and funding as a principal investigator. Experience in material and surface characterization techniques such as FT-IR, NMR, and SEM. Proficient in mechanical testing, wear analysis, and the study of polymer degradation, particularly in marine environments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent oral communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to effectively supervise a research group
• Ability to originate ideas for new areas of research
• Ability to design, operate, calibrate and maintain complex experimental or computational facilities
• Ability to quickly understand new ideas, techniques and procedures
• Significant knowledge of the research area under study
• Knowledge of and experience with autonomous instrumentation and analytical instrumentation and methods
• Proven ability in data collection, analysis and graphical presentation of biogeochemical data
• Ability to support the supervisor in all aspects of research
• Ability to write publishable manuscripts
• Ability to write research reports for submission to outside agencies
• Ability to write grant proposals
• Ability to prepare and deliver high quality research presentations
• Specific research skills determined by the supervising faculty member

SALARY: $70,000-$75,000

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• And More!

Benefits for Faculty Federation - Librarians/Technicians

To apply please submit a letter of interest, a current resume and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.