Postdoctoral Research Associate I
- Oracle, AZ
- Permanent
- Full-time
Posting Number req23824
Department Biosphere 2
Department Website Link https://biosphere2.org/
Location Outside of Tucson
Address 32540 S Biosphere Road, Oracle, AZ 85623 USA
Position HighlightsThe Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher with expertise in ecology of benthic communities on coral reefs. Potential research areas of interest include: microbial ecology, community ecology, genomics, symbiosis and dysbiosis, and reef restoration and conservation. Applicants with focus on anthropogenic stressors on coral-reef ecosystems, novel species interactions, and solutions for reef resilience (e.g., beneficial micro-organisms, stress hardening, transplantation, assisted evolution) are particularly encouraged to apply.Initial appointment is for 12-months, with possibility of extension for a second year (subject to funding and performance). Salary commensurate with experience, following University of Arizona guidelines. The work will be supervised by Dr. Diane Thompson. The duty station for this position will be Biosphere 2.Biosphere 2 Ocean (B2O) — the largest marine mesocosm in the world (2.6-million-liters) — With unparalleled scale (2.6 million liters) and control (e.g., reef-scale temperature manipulation), the B2O presents a unique opportunity to investigate recovery processes, test novel species interactions under a changing climate, and explore solutions for rebuilding resilient coral reefs that can withstand continued ocean warming. Applicants will also join active collaborations with top restoration teams, including Coral Reef Arks (https://coralarks.org/) and Mote Marine Laboratory (https://mote.org/). Proposed projects bridging multiple (reef) scales, leveraging both 2700 liter raceway tanks, Coral Arks, and the B2O mesocosm, are encouraged.Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .
Duties & Responsibilities
- Leverage the Biosphere 2 Ocean (B2O) — the largest marine mesocosm in the world (2.6-million-liters) — to investigate reef recovery processes across active restoration of the B2O reef, and identify effective solutions for building resilient coral reef ecosystems.
- The selected candidate is expected to conduct original research, write manuscripts for publication, actively participate in professional meetings, and collaborate with faculty and graduate students at the University of Arizona.
- The successful candidate is expected to spend the majority of their time on-site, actively conducting, supporting, and guiding B2O research initiatives.
- Additional duties may be assigned.
- Excellent writing and speaking skills.
- Strong programming abilities (e.g., R, Python and/or Matlab).
- Excellent communication and ability to work in diverse teams.
- Strong swimmer, capable of snorkeling or diving for data collection as needed (see preferred qualifications below).
- Independent research and leadership skills.
- Scientific communication skills for (a) mentoring students and (b) interfacing with visitors to the Biosphere 2.
- Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in marine biology, biological oceanography, or related field.
- Strong rescue and/or scientific dive training and experience.
- Experience working with corals and reef organisms in experimental settings (e.g., aquaria and raceways).
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Diane Thompson | thompsod@arizona.edu
Open Date 9/4/2025
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant Research statement: Brief (1-2 page) summary of research interests and alignment with the Biosphere 2 Ocean coral reef resilience project and "grand challenges" to be tackled in this ocean mesocosm (see https://biosphere2.org/research/research-initiatives/ocean-reef-lab).
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