Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job:
Professors William Arnold and Sebastian Behrens are seeking a post-doctoral associate in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering. The person would take the lead on a project co-supervised by Profs. Behrens and Arnold to evaluate microbial degradation of fluorinated pesticides and pharmaceuticals to identify which chemical structures are mineralized to fluoride and which lead to formation of persistent fluorinated byproducts. The key tasks will be to run biodegradation experiments with activated sludge and soil microbial communities to assess degradation kinetics, identify and quantify fluoride and fluorinated organic byproducts using NMR and mass spectrometry, identify the organisms responsible for degradation, and quantify microbial responses to fluorinated pesticides and pharmaceuticals using cell sorting and sequencing techniques. The individual will also interact with, lead, and assist graduate and undergraduate students in the research group. 

90% Research

• Conduct research related to specific externally-funded projects, including collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting challenges, and assisting graduate and undergraduate students on the project, as needed.
• Individually and collaboratively write reports for sponsors and papers to submit to refereed journals. 

10% Lab Citizen

• Attend lab meetings with the entire research group and one-on-one meetings with Professors Arnold and Behrens, as required. 
• Attend relevant lectures, seminars, and training sessions.
• Maintain the highest safety standards and adhere to University of Minnesota policies.
• Assist other lab/community members, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong laboratory skills in environmental microbiology and/or chemistry 
• Strong laboratory skills in reactor design and set-up
• Experience with mass spectrometry, NMR and/or molecular biology techniques
• Ability to work and coordinate with external partners
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems effectively
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality publications
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering resides within the College of Science & Engineering. More information about the department can be found at https://cse.umn.edu/cege

Fixed Pay Rate: $61,008

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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