Research Associate in Oceanography

Shannon Point Marine Center

Position

This is a 0.75 FTE professional staff position for the period of November 1, 2006 (or ASAP)-October 31, 2007.  The appointment may be extended for an additional year, pending availability of funding and performance.  Salary: $3,000 per month with a full benefit package including 4 weeks of paid vacation.

This entry level position is an outstanding opportunity for a scientist having recently obtained the doctorate to engage in research and gain teaching experience.  The duties associated with this position will permit the incumbent actively to pursue research, gain experience and a record of accomplishment in teaching, and participate in a nationally-recognized National Science Foundation sponsored program that encourages the participation of groups underrepresented in science and engineering.

SPMC will provide office and laboratory space, as well as the boat time and access to shared equipment and instrumentation required to implement the courses and research.  Limited additional research support may be available.  The incumbent will be authorized to develop and submit proposals to external agencies for additional support.

Responsibilities  

Establish immediately an on-site research program capable of incorporating student projects

Teach a 6-credit oceanography unit that involves lecture, laboratory and field elements to a group of 8 students participating in SPMC’s NSF-funded Multicultural Initiative in the Marine Sciences: Undergraduate Participation (MIMSUP) program. (Winter Quarter, 2007)

Provide a writing workshop to the MIMSUP participants and supervise the independent research project of one of the participants.(Winter Quarter, 2007)

Teach a 5-credit upper division undergraduate course in ocean science open to all university students.  The specific course topic is subject to negotiation and approval by the appropriate academic unit (Spring Quarter, 2007) 

Supervise the independent research project of one student participant in the NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at SPMC. (Summer, 2007)

Required Qualifications

Applicants must have the doctorate or have attained the “all-but-dissertation” status of their doctoral program in some aspect of ocean science by the position start date.

Ability to establish immediately an on-site research program.  (Applications are invited from candidates representing a wide range of research interests)

Background and demonstrated expertise in some aspect of oceanography sufficient to support instruction in general oceanography

Preferred qualifications

Teaching experience

Evidence of a commitment to mentoring as an instructional tool

Experience in working effectively with a diverse student body

About the University and Department

The University sits on a wooded hill with a spectacular view of the northern Puget Sound and scenic San Juan Islands. The metro areas of Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. are within 85 and 55 miles respectively. The Cascade Mountains, including Mt. Baker ski resort, are only an hour away. The University enrolls 12,000 students and is a highly ranked comprehensive university with an emphasis on quality undergraduate education. For more information, go to www.wwu.edu. The SPMC campus is located in Anacortes, WA on the inland waters of the Puget Sound basin.  The facility is well-equipped for field work in local waters, has a running sea water system feeding both indoor and outdoor tanks, maintains a long-term database of water quality parameters, and is well-equipped for most areas of marine biology and chemistry.  The faculty includes 7 Ph.D.’s, capably supported by a technical and clerical staff.  Additional information about the facilities, staff, and programs can be accessed at the website (www.wwu.edu/~spmc).

How to Apply

Candidates must submit a letter describing their research interests, teaching philosophy, and experience relevant to the position; an updated resume; and the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 professional references.

Application materials should be sent to spmc@cc.wwu.edu  or:

Dr. Stephen Sulkin, SPMC Director

Research Associate Search #06AA-16

1900 Shannon Point Road Bellingham, WA 98225- Anacortes, WA 98221

Electronic submission is preferred, although hardcopy applications will be considered. 

Review of application materials will begin on Monday, November 6, 2006 and will continue until the position is filled.

WWU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities, Vietnam-era veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. For disability accommodation, call 360.650.3774 or 360.650.7696 (TTY). All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before beginning work at WWU.

WWU is committed to fostering a safe learning and working environment. Our Annual Campus Security Report can be viewed at www.wwu.edu/depts/vpsa/asr.htm and includes information on campus crime and WWU safety policies and procedures. For a paper copy, call Human Resources at 360.650.3774. For alternate formats, call 360.650.3839.