This webinar will provide an insight into the federal grant proposal opportunities available for geoscience students pursuing careers within academia. Speakers from four federal agencies will discuss the nuances of each of their individual programs as well as provide some advice on how to submit successful applications. This webinar will introduce a variety of federal fellowship programs, examine the key components of the application materials including eligibility and deadlines, and provide advice to submit successful applications. Our speakers are: Jessamin Straub, 2020 NOAA Knauss Fellow/R&D Advisor, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HQ; Christina Richardson, NSF Graduate Research Fellow, Dept. of Earth & Planetary Sciences, UC Santa Cruz; Jessica Ball, former USGS Mendenhall Fellow, Staff Scientist, US Geological Survey; and Jeff Berger, NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, NASA Johnson Space Center.
This OCE program officers and staff invite you and colleagues to a special OCE Virtual Town Hall to provide updates on NSF/OCE responses to the current pandemic and answer any general questions you may have. The meeting will be led by OCE staff including program officers from the science programs and from ship operations. It will be held on two dates: May 4 and 5, at 2PM Eastern time. The two sessions will be the same, so you would likely want to choose one. The meeting will be conducted as a zoom webinar and you must pre-register in advance to participate. There will be a short presentation followed by Q+A conducted using the chat (text) function that will be moderated. Register in advance for the May 4 webinar or register in advance for the May 5 webinar.
The Simons Foundation invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships to support basic research on fundamental problems in marine microbial ecology, with an emphasis on understanding the role of microorganisms in shaping ocean processes, and vice versa. The foundation is particularly interested in applicants with training in different fields, as well as applicants with experience in modeling or theory development. While these cross-disciplinary applicants will receive particular attention, applicants already involved in ocean research are also encouraged to apply. The foundation anticipates awarding five fellowships in 2020. Application deadline: May 15, 2020.
The new Expedition and Community Outreach Coordinator will assist with expedition-related communications and outreach programs, with the goal of engaging, influencing, and generating public support for a healthy ocean through advanced scientific research, technology innovation, and open sharing of information. The Expedition and Community Outreach Coordinator should have an outstanding work ethic, be highly organized, and able to thrive with a highly productive schedule within a small team. A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, or digital media is required. We are looking for someone who is passionate about ocean science, who is an effective communicator, and who loves working with diverse audiences — from school groups to scientists. The Expedition and Community Outreach Coordinator will report directly to the Director of Marine Communications, and work together on a variety of strategic communications tasks and initiatives. They will be responsible for implementing expedition outreach plans, generating community engagement, media coverage, and developing written content for Schmidt Ocean Institute’s website and interactive programs. This position may include some travel to the research vessel Falkor (location varies, including international). Application deadline: May 1, 2020.
To further scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and the European Community, the National Science Foundation and the European Research Council signed an Implementing Arrangement on October 29, 2019 to enable U.S.-based scientists and engineers with active NSF awards, particularly those early on in their careers, to pursue research collaboration with European colleagues supported through EU-funded European Research Council (ERC) grants. This letter invites current NSF grantees to submit supplemental funding requests for research visits to any identified, appropriate ERC-funded European research group. NSF particularly encourages requests from NSF grantees who are early on in their careers or who are still actively building their careers. Further, the letter gives instructions on how to submit supplemental funding requests and other relevant policies and requirements. The European hosts will provide funding to support in-country living expenses during the visits. NSF will provide travel funds to and from Europe. It is expected that the amount requested will not exceed $20,000, inclusive of any foreign travel expenses for qualified family members. This opportunity is open only to PIs and co-PIs of active NSF awards. Supplemental funding may not be used to support travel for senior personnel, postdocs, or others funded on the award. Please note, however, that NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellows with active Fellowships are eligible to submit to this opportunity. Requests must be received at NSF at least 3 months prior to the proposed visit, but no later than May 15, 2020, for consideration using Fiscal Year 2020 funds.
The GeneOil project is a cooperation between Lundin Norway, the University of Duisburg-Essen and the GFZ. The project aims to identify the sources of microbial DNA in hydrocarbon reservoirs in order to develop a better understanding of current and past microbial activity in both the current reservoir and the environment in which the source rock was deposited. Responsibilities include: development of strategies for sampling and conservation of samples for genomic analyses on offshore drilling and production platforms; development of methods for the extraction of DNA and other biomolecules from crude oil; quantification of microbial activity using molecular biological (FISH, BONCAT, qPCR) and biogeochemical techniques (radioisotope incubations). The envisioned starting date is June 1st, but given the current situation we have some flexibility. The application deadline is extended to May 14, 2020.
We are now accepting proposals for Fall Meeting 2020, including Innovative Sessions, a new format inspired by programming at 2019’s Centennial Central. Due to COVID-19, AGU has extended the deadline until Thursday, April 23, 2020.
The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is now accepting applications for scientific participants on Expedition 395 Reykjanes Mantle Convection and Climate aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Reykjanes Mantle Convection Expedition 395 will investigate mantle upwelling beneath Iceland, which supports the regional bathymetry and has led to changes in the height of oceanic gateways that control the strength of deep-water flow over geologic timescales. This drilling program contains three objectives: (1) to test contrasting hypotheses for the formation of V-shaped ridges that are the result of interaction between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Iceland plume; (2) to understand temporal changes in ocean circulation and explore connections with plume activity; and (3) to reconstruct the evolving chemistry of hydrothermal fluids with increasing crustal age, varying sediment thickness, and crustal architecture. Expedition 395 is based on IODP Proposal 892-Full2 (Mantle Dynamics, Paleoceanography and Climate Evolution in the North Atlantic Ocean) and will target the sediments and 130 m of igneous basement along with downhole logging at five sites east of Reykjanes Ridge. Four sites intersect V-shaped ridges/troughs pairs, one of which coincides with Bjorn Drift. The fifth site is located over 32.4 Ma oceanic crust devoid of V-shaped features, chosen to intersect Oligocene-Miocene sediments of Gardar Drift. Millennial-scale paleoclimate records are contained within rapidly accumulated sediments of contourite drifts in this region. The accumulation rate of the sediments is a proxy for current strength, and the sediments also provide constraints for climatic events including Pliocene warmth, the onset of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation, and abrupt Late Pleistocene climate change. Major, trace and isotope geochemistry of basalts will allow us to observe spatial and temporal variations in mantle melting processes. This combined approach will explore relationships between deep Earth processes, ocean circulation, and climate. The expedition will take place from 26 June to 26 August 2020. Opportunities exist for researchers (including graduate students) in all shipboard specialties, including but not limited to sedimentologists, petrologists, micropaleontologists, paleomagnetists, petrophysicists, borehole geophysicists, igneous geochemists, inorganic and organic geochemists. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2020.
The GEM Course is an all-expenses paid, three-week intensive introductory course in Global Environmental Microbiology (GEM) geared toward early-career undergraduates from 2- and 4-year institutions. The course focuses on microbes found in aquatic environments investigated through authentic research experiences (students collect, process & interpret data). This residential course includes lectures, labs and fieldwork at USC and on Santa Catalina Island.
Where: University of Southern California campus and Santa Catalina Island, CA
When: June 14 – July 2, 2020
Who: Undergraduates from 2 or 4-year colleges
Cost: FREE, including travel, plus modest stipend
How to apply: https://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/education-diversity/for-undergraduates/gem-course/
Note: First generation college, women, and under-represented students encouraged to apply
Application Deadline: March 25, 2020 at 5:00pm PDT
For questions and comments, contact Gwen Noda at gnoda@usc.edu.
In November 2019, the President issued a Memorandum related to ocean mapping activities. The original memo is available here. Subsequently, two notices were published in the Federal Register requesting information from the public relating to Section 2, National Strategy for Mapping, Exploring and Characterizing the U.S. EEZ, and Section 4, Efficient Permitting of Mapping Exploring and Characterization. The Ocean Policy Committee is soliciting public input through these RFIs to obtain information from a wide range of stakeholders, including academia, private industry, and other relevant organizations and institutions, in order to inform the Ocean Policy Committee as it prepares to identify these opportunities and develop recommended actions. Comments are required prior to March 12, 2020.
NSF conducted a webinar on February 6, 2020, covering the significant changes to the Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20-1). The webinar is now available for on-demand viewing. The new PAPPG will be effective for proposals submitted or due, and awards made, on or after June 1, 2020.
Biodegradation is one of the most important in situ processes determining the quality of oil in conventional and unconventional reservoirs or hydrocarbon attenuation in contaminated aquifers. Moreover, microbial processes such as methanogenesis, sulfate reduction, and biofilm formation have significant direct or indirect impacts on oil recovery. Despite these effects, there is yet a significant gap of knowledge about the activity and dynamics of microbial communities in oil reservoirs and hydrocarbon contaminated sites. The topics of interest include but are not limited to mechanisms of anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons, ecology of hydrocarbon degrading microbial communities, food webs and nutrient recycling, degradation processes and controlling environmental factors, and identity-function relationships in microbial communities. This conference is expected to provide better insights into the ecology of oil-degrading microbial communities and develop future research directions in the field. The deadline for registration and abstract submission is April 1, 2020.
We are arriving at an important benchmark in our planning for future scientific ocean drilling and present the first version of the 2050 Science Framework, entitled Exploring Earth Through Scientific Ocean Drilling, now ready for your examination and peer review. This new 2050 Science Framework has a 25-year outlook to 2050, inspiring state-of-the-art approaches for scientific ocean drilling far into the mid-21st century. Foundational Earth science research is described in seven Strategic Objectives and five Flagship Initiatives that encourage innovation and new discoveries. The major objective of scientific ocean drilling is to advance our understanding of Earth as an interconnected system through multi-disciplinary and societally-relevant collaborative research endeavors. As the structure and roadmap to produce this framework were previously reviewed via online community postings on IODP.org in August 2019 and endorsed by the IODP Forum in September 2019, we are at this stage primarily seeking input from the international science community on the framework’s scientific merit, accuracy, and completeness, so that each chapter strongly conveys the aspirations for future scientific ocean drilling through 2050. The deadline to review the document and respond has been postponed to March 31, 2020.
This conference has been withdrawn from the 2020 conference schedule.
The inaugural Southern California Biogeochemical Ocean Observations & Models (SoCal BOOM) symposium will be held on Saturday March 21, 2020 at the University of Southern California from 9AM – 8PM. The meeting aims to bring together students, postdocs, researchers, and faculty from across Southern California with an interest in measuring and modeling ocean biogeochemistry. This free one-day symposium is designed to highlight the work of early-career researchers, with both the symposium and the poster session featuring presentations by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers (with faculty encouraged to attend). The aim of this meeting is to foster interaction and collaboration among oceanographers who use measurements and modeling approaches to understand Earth systems. We welcome scientists engaged in a wide range of ocean biogeochemical research, and encourage participants to highlight aspects of their research which draw upon theoretical or numerical modeling approaches. Register by March 1, 2020.
The submitted Idea Machine entries were in the form of short concept outlines and videos rather than full-length research proposals. To develop these conceptual descriptions into actionable research agendas that include sets of specific research questions, NSF seeks proposals for catalytic activities in the form of: 1) Conferences that bring together those interested in shaping any or a group of these top 33 broad ideas into actionable research themes, or new long-term research programs – proposal deadline: March 15, 2020; and 2) EAGER projects to extend, develop and test concepts from among the top 33 ideas that are ripe for early stage, transformative research – concept outlines deadline: March 1, 2020.
STEMSEAS aims to provide ship-based, 6-10 day exploratory experiences for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds aboard NSF-funded research vessels. Students will sail with experienced faculty mentors and engage in geoscience and oceanography activities (while also having fun)! Most expenses (travel to/from the ports of call, materials, and living expenses while on the ship) will be paid by the program – there is very little cost to participants. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen 18 years of age or over and enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university. Applications extended to April 30, 2020.
Attending this year’s JPgU Annual Meeting? Consider submitting your asbtracts (DUE TODAY) to Session U-19: A deep dive into planetary habitability as related to subsurface architecture, energy, and water (organizers: Heather Graham, Atsuko Kobayashi, Vlada Stamenkovic, Shino Susuki).
For over 20 years, the Ocean Discovery Lecture Series (formerly the Distinguished Lecturer Series) has brought the remarkable scientific results and discoveries of the International Ocean Discovery Program and its predecessor programs to academic research institutions, museums, and aquaria. Since 1991, over 1,000 presentations to diverse audiences have been made through the Lecture Series. For the 2020-2021 academic year, an exciting lineup of distinguished lecturers is available to speak at your institution. The topics of their lectures range widely, including hydrothermal microbial communities with C-DEBI researcher, Jessica Labonté (Texas A&M, Galveston). USSSP will provide support for the lecturer’s travel to your institution, while hosting venues are responsible for housing, meals, and local transportation. Open to any U.S. college, university, or nonprofit organization. Deadline to apply to host a lecturer: May 15, 2020.
The Earth Surface Science group at Queen Mary University of London are seeking a 36-month postdoc with expertise in terrestrial biogeochemical modelling. This post is part of an exciting new collaborative project with CU Boulder, U Utah, Montana Tech & British Geological Survey, investigating the fate of Arctic soil following glacier retreat. Glacier retreat is exposing pioneer Arctic soils that host a dynamic ecosystem and act as biogeochemical reactors. The aim of this project is to improve the understanding of how seasonal processes contribute to the long-term (i.e. multi-decadal) development of Arctic soils. The PDRA will develop, implement and apply a new fully coupled biogeochemical-geophysical model for pioneer Arctic soils. These activities are linked to a larger project whose wider ambition is to achieve continuous year-round monitoring of dynamic processes using a network of buried geophysical sensors in a High-Arctic glacier forefield, and repeated field monitoring of soil biogeochemical processes via state-of-the-art molecular techniques. Numerical modelling will be instrumental in forming mechanistic linkages between seasonal variations, and soil biogeochemical, geophysical and hydrogeological processes over multi-decadal timescales, as well as to capture and explore year-round dynamics of Arctic soils, and conduct predictive modelling of the future fate of Arctic soils following large-scale ice retreat and climate warming. Model development and calibration will make use of field datasets that will be collected during year-round fieldwork campaigns throughout 2020 and 2021, There will be opportunities for the PDRA to participate in project-related fieldwork activities in Svalbard. The PDRA will work within a multidisciplinary team with significant strengths in environmental-biogeochemistry, modelling, geomicrobiology, and geophysical sensing – and thus develop an interdisciplinary skill set, and collaborate nationally and internationally. Deadline: Apply before March 20, 2020 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
Drs. Samantha Joye, Anna-Louise Reysenbach and Adam Soule will host a Town Hall at the 2020 Ocean Sciences Meeting. The Town Hall is scheduled for Monday, February 17 from 12:25 to 1:45 pm at the San Diego Convention Center, 9, UL. The Town Hall is aimed at researchers who are interested in contributing to development of a grassroots community vision that will promote a new phase of deep sea discovery through coordinated transdisciplinary research efforts made possible through development of a Research Coordination Network proposal. This effort will advance the field and create new directions in deep sea science, promote new collaborations, and foster coordination and training across disciplinary, organizational, geographic, and international boundaries all while broadening participation in deep ocean science.
Conveners: Thomas C. (University of Geneva, Switzerland), Petráš D. (Czech Geological Survey, Czech Republic), Pérez A.M. (Institute of Palaeontology ZRC SAZU, Slovenia). Session description: From iron formations to stromatolitic facies, microbes have been instrumental for the formation, composition and preservation of sedimentary units since the dawn of life on Earth. As such, the chemical and isotopic signatures imparted by their activity in these rocks have been used to disentangle the long-term chemical evolution of the atmosphere and ancient oceans. Nonetheless, assessing the primary origin and biogenicity of certain minerals and textures remains challenging, despite these factors being crucial to our quest to understand key stages in evolution of life and earth systems. The diversity and complexity of life forms and metabolisms interacting from the moment of deposition and during shallow burial, along with the rare availability of exceptionally well-preserved ancient chemical rocks has also encouraged an active search for modern analogues to ancient microbially influenced sedimentary deposits. For this session, we seek contributions envisioning approaches for understanding the signatures derived from microbial activity on any type of sedimentary archive, including carbonates, silica-rich deposits, shales, modern lacustrine or marine sediments, soil crusts, etc. Studies describing how active microbes act as key agents in both mineral authigenesis and diagenetic alteration are particularly welcome. Given the complexity of studying such processes, the session is also open to the presentation of approaches allowing multiscale analyses, at the interface between biology and geology. Abstract submission is open until the February 15, 2020 and there are options for early career scientists to find support for coming to beautiful Prag in June via the IAS.
The Oceanographic Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination (OTIC) Program supports a broad range of research and technology development activities. Unsolicited proposals are accepted for instrumentation development that has broad applicability to ocean science research projects and that enhance observational, experimental or analytical capabilities of the ocean science research community. Specific announcements for funding opportunities are made for additional projects involving Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML) and the National Ocean Partnership Program. Full proposal target date: February 18, 2020.
The Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU) commemorates the coming year 2020; it is the 15th anniversary since JpGU was founded in 2005, and the 30th anniversary since its predecessor, the Japan Earth and Planetary Science Joint Meeting, was first held in 1990. On this occasion, the 2020 annual meeting will be held joint with the American Geophysical Union (AGU) as the JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2020, following the first cooperative effort with AGU in 2017. Furthermore, the Joint Meeting anticipates expansion and enrichment of joint sessions with the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) and the European Geosciences Union (EGU). The JpGU has recently grown to embrace over 51 members of academic societies and over 10,000 individual members. The attendance at the 2019 Annual Meeting exceeded 8,400 total participants (including approximately 2,400 students), with over 650 participants from abroad (covering 41 nations and areas). The meeting provides an indispensable opportunity for participants from the fields of Earth and planetary science to interact. The annual survey indicates that the participants would like to see a wider range of session programs, including some open to the public, and an expansion of English-language sessions. Hopes are high for the promotion and expansion of interdisciplinary and border-area researches and further internationalization of Earth and planetary science research. Abstract submission deadline: February 18, 2020.
The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), an independent U.S. not-for-profit marine research institution based in Bermuda, is seeking an early career candidate for an Assistant Scientist position. We seek applications from current postdoctoral scholars/fellows or recent PhD graduates in oceanography or closely related subjects. We welcome a broad range of potential topics for study, including physical oceanography process studies at all scales, biogeochemical research with practical experimentation, and system modeling with strong integration of data. We seek a candidate who will take advantage of the opportunities and facilities offered at BIOS which include bi-weekly access to the deep ocean, repeat measurements and long-term monitoring of ocean properties, integration of glider observations with traditional ship-based measurements and laboratory access for chemical and biological measurements and experimentation. The successful candidate will oversee a fleet of autonomous underwater gliders equipped with sensors systems for biogeochemical and physical oceanographic research. The position will remain open until filled.
Returning to the University of Leicester for the fifth year, the ECORD Summer School: Downhole Logging for IODP Science focuses on downhole logging within IODP and the applications of downhole measurements in various geoscientific fields, including paleoclimatology and sedimentology, as well as for broader geological and ecological processes. The Summer School is a 1-week long CPD-accredited course offering 36 hours of training in the core principles of petrophysics and downhole logging, from data collection to interpretation. The School will be hosted at the University of Leicester (UK) and will run from the 4th July to the 10th of July 2020. The course is open to applicants from the international community, but applications from early career researchers (including PhD students) are particularly encouraged. U.S.-affiliated students and researchers may also apply for travel support through the U.S. Science Support Program. A limited number of travel grants are available and priority may be given to applicants actively engaged or interested in research using IODP data. The deadline to apply for travel support and for the course has been extended to February 21, 2020.
Understanding the Rules of Life (URoL): Predicting Phenotype is one of NSF’s 10 Big Ideas and is focused on predicting the set of observable characteristics (phenotype) from the genetic makeup of the individual and the nature of its environment. The development of new research tools has revolutionized our ability to manipulate and investigate the genome and to measure multiple aspects of biological, physical, and social environments. The opportunity now is to assimilate this new information into causal, mechanistic, and/or predictive relationships among the genomic and epigenetic makeup, the environmental experience, and the phenotypic characteristics of biological systems. These relationships are the basis for the Rules of Life – the theoretical constructs that explain and predict the characteristics of living systems, from molecular and sub-cellular components, to cells, whole organisms, communities and biomes. Successful projects of the URoL:Epigenetics Program are expected to use complementary, interdisciplinary approaches to investigate how epigenetic phenomena lead to emergent properties that explain the fundamental behavior of living systems. Full proposal deadline: February 6, 2020.
The USSSP Onboard Outreach Program gives formal and informal educators, artists, writers, videographers and other participants the opportunity to spend an entire expedition with an IODP shipboard party and translate their experiences for students and the general public via blogs, videos, social networking sites, live ship-to-shore video events and development of educational resources. Onboard Outreach Program participants are selected through a competitive application and interview process. All expenses for Onboard Outreach Program participants, such as travel to and from the ports of call, and a $10,000 stipend, are paid by USSSP. The selected individual(s) will also be flown to a three-day training session prior to their expedition. Non-US applicants will be directed to their country’s IODP Program Member Office but are still encouraged to apply. Deadline: February 10, 2020.
The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Data Manager (DM) is a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in geo-sciences and recognized expert in scientific ocean drilling. The incumbent will apply extensive knowledge as a research professional with an in-depth understanding of scientific data, statistics and analysis of on site data recorded in seafloor sediments and rocks and will monitor sub-seafloor environments. As needed, act as a team lead in scientific ocean drilling and multidisciplinary research collaboration of broad scope and complexity. In addition, the position will support on-going efforts to improve data management procedures and the development of decision support tools. The position will contribute and lead scientific journal publications. In collaboration with the Executive Director/Principal Investigator of the Science Support Office, the DM serves a critical and visible role in the IODP management structure. Provide consultation, direction, and advice to research teams and proposal authors, who comprise over one thousand researchers affiliated with about 200 institutions worldwide, in developing and evaluating scientific data sets that support IODP drilling proposals. Formulate strategies to ensure the quality and timely review of site characterization data submitted to the IODP Site Survey Data Bank (SSDB) and serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) on data in meetings of the IODP Facility Boards and their subsidiaries. Formulate and administer policies and processes in the main Task Areas of the IODP Science Support Office and independently interact with the eight international IODP Program Member Offices to manage their participation in the IODP advisory structure. Filing Deadline extended to: February 7, 2020.
The UNOLS Council has the standing goal of improving the quality and capability of existing ocean science facilities and the quality, reliability and safety of their operation. Many improvements have been made over the past decade, including the addition of new research vessels. UNOLS Council would also now like to turn attention to improving the quality of life and morale while working at sea, for both the permanent crew and itinerant scientists. For example, technological improvements in satellite internet connections have changed and enhanced life at sea, enabling those onboard to attend to personal business and maintain family connections, but these technological improvements often come with high financial costs. Simpler, less expensive efforts can also improve morale and quality of life at sea, such as cook outs on the deck or swim calls (long ago …). Please help us improve the quality of life at sea by filling out this brief three question survey. Please complete the survey by February 28, 2020.
Growing Convergence Research (GCR)at the National Science Foundation was identified as one of 10 Big Ideas. Convergence research is a means for solving vexing research problems, in particular, complex problems focusing on societal needs. It entails integrating knowledge, methods, and expertise from different disciplines and forming novel frameworks to catalyze scientific discovery and innovation. GCR identifies Convergence Research as having two primary characteristics: 1) Research driven by a specific and compelling problem. Convergence Research is generally inspired by the need to address a specific challenge or opportunity, whether it arises from deep scientific questions or pressing societal needs. 2) Deep integration across disciplines. As experts from different disciplines pursue common research challenges, their knowledge, theories, methods, data, research communities and languages become increasingly intermingled or integrated. New frameworks, paradigms or even disciplines can form sustained interactions across multiple communities. A distinct characteristic of convergence research, in contrast to other forms of multidisciplinary research, is that from the inception, the convergence paradigm intentionally brings together intellectually diverse researchers and stakeholders to frame the research questions, develop effective ways of communicating across disciplines and sectors, adopt common frameworks for their solution, and, when appropriate, develop a new scientific vocabulary. Research teams practicing convergence aim at developing sustainable relationships that may not only create solutions to the problem that engendered the collaboration, but also develop novel ways of framing related research questions and open new research vistas. Full proposal deadline: February 3, 2020.
The goals of the Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) program are to accelerate the process of scientific discovery and prepare the next generation of U.S. researchers for multiteam international collaborations. The AccelNet program supports strategic linkages among U.S. research networks and complementary networks abroad that will leverage research and educational resources to tackle grand scientific challenges that require significant coordinated international efforts. The program seeks to foster high-impact science and engineering by providing opportunities to create new collaborations and new combinations of resources and ideas among linked global networks. This solicitation invites proposals for the creation of international networks of networks in research areas aligned either with one of the NSF Big Ideas or a community-identified scientific challenge with international dimensions. AccelNet awards are meant to support the connections among research networks, rather than supporting fundamental research as the primary activity. Each network of networks is expected to engage in innovative collaborative activities that promote synergy of efforts across the networks and provide professional development for students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career researchers. There are two proposal categories covered by this solicitation: Catalytic and Full-Scale Implementation. Full proposal deadline date: January 31, 2020.
The goal of the RCN program is to advance a field or create new directions in research or education by supporting groups of investigators to communicate and coordinate their research, training, and educational activities across disciplinary, organizational, geographic, and international boundaries. The RCN-UBE program originated as a unique RCN track to “catalyze positive changes in biology undergraduate education” (NSF 08-035) and is now supported by the collaborative efforts of the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) and the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR). It has been responsive to the national movement to revolutionize undergraduate learning and teaching in the biological sciences as described in the “Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology Education” report. The RCN-UBE program seeks to improve undergraduate biology in different areas by leveraging the power of a collaborative network. The theme or focus of an RCN-UBE proposal can be on any topic likely to advance the goal of enhancing undergraduate biology education. Collectively, the program has contributed to developing and disseminating educational research resources and modules, to forging of new collaborations, and to sharing of best practices and ideas for scalability and sustainability of activities. These efforts have involved a large cadre of faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Proposed networking activities directed to the RCN-UBE program should focus on a theme to give coherence to the collaboration. Full proposal deadline: January 21, 2020.
The University of Southern California (USC) is excited to host the 17th annual Southern California Geobiology Symposium. The symposium will be held on April 4th, 2020. Information about registration/abstract submissions, program details, and specific location will be available in January 2020. The SoCal Geobiology Symposium is an annual student-organized symposium for scientists interested in astrobiology, climate science, ecology, geochemistry, geology, microbiology, oceanography, and paleobiology. We welcome scientists from all levels of academia and both those living in Southern California and from around the world. Undergraduates, graduate students, and post-docs are encouraged to submit abstracts for posters or talks to share their research. Abstract submission and registration will close on March 4, 2020.
The Earth and Environmental Sciences department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is seeking graduate student applications. We have a rich geology, environmental science, and astrobiology program, as well as data science/ geoinformatics. Applications are welcome at any time.
Despite centuries of discovery, most of our planet’s biodiversity remains unknown. The scale of Earth’s unknown diversity is especially troubling given the rapid and permanent loss of biodiversity across the globe. The goal of the Dimensions of Biodiversity campaign is to transform how we describe and understand the scope and role of life on Earth. This campaign promotes novel integrative approaches to fill the most substantial gaps in our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth. It takes a broad view of biodiversity, and focuses on the intersection of genetic, phylogenetic, and functional dimensions of biodiversity. Successful proposals must integrate these three dimensions to understand interactions among them. The 2020 Dimensions of Biodiversity program is restricted to projects supported by international partnerships with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) of Brazil, and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. Full Proposal Deadline extended: April 20, 2020.
Join us for a National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored workshop focused on the integration of Ocean Observing Initiative (OOI) data into undergraduate teaching of oceanography themes and concepts. Participants will explore a collection of Data Labs created by oceanography professors who attended the 2019 OOI Data Lab summer workshops. Learn from your peers lessons learned on how to effectively teach with data. Participants will share new teaching resources and brainstorm new ideas for how to integrate OOI data into introductory oceanography and Earth and environmental science courses. Professors who teach introductory (100 and 200 level) oceanography courses are encouraged to attend. Participants will receive a $300 stipend (issued post-workshop) along with complimentary light breakfast and lunch. Attendance is limited to 35 people. We will accept online submissions until January 15, 2020 or capacity is reached, whichever is sooner.
This Solicitation supports two funding opportunities to advance geosciences research: 1) Science-Enabling Capabilities and Pilots: This opportunity builds capabilities to improve geosciences data use and reuse for observational, experimental, and computational research that is interoperable with emerging standards and resources. It also solicits pilot efforts to integrate different datasets and tools from multiple GEO disciplines. 2) EarthCube Research Coordination Networks (RCNs): This opportunity supports the formation of RCNs closely tied to the science and data needs of core geosciences programs and domains supported by GEO. In addition to these solicited opportunities, the EarthCube program will accept requests for supplements to support adoption of emerging EarthCube open web standards and existing cyberinfrastructure by science projects and data resources. Supplements must abide by the guidelines for supplements in the PAPPG. Prospective PIs should contact an EarthCube program director to discuss a potential supplement. The EarthCube program will accept requests for supplements of the following types: 1) Science adoption: Target broadening or enhancing existing geoscience projects to achieve new research and education outcomes through adoption of existing data and software tools (including, but not limited to, products from EarthCube projects). Possible projects include the adoption of data standards to support the science goals of a project. 2) Data resource adoption: Support data facilities and data resources to adopt robust standards and/or implementation of pilot tools/activities to improve discovery, interoperability and access to data and cyberinfrastructure services. In conjunction with EarthCube/Council of Data Facilities developments, these awards would facilitate adoption of new semantic web standards and machine-readable publishing patterns, such as for the EarthCube data repository and resource registries. These awards are meant for an initial implementation of these standards and are not meant to sustain existing core functions of data facilities. Full proposal deadline: March 12, 2020.
The The UCLA SIMS laboratory hosts a 5 day workshop on ion microprobe applications in Earth and planetary sciences, with emphases on microanalytical geochronology and stable isotope geochemistry by large radius magnetic sector SIMS. Arrival and departure dates are Sunday Feb. 24th and Friday Mar. 1st. NSF’s Instrumentation and Facilities program will sponsor costs for travel, accommodation, and course materials for domestic participants. Graduate students and advanced undergraduates (with recommendation letter from an academic supervisor) can apply; applications due December 31, 2019.
We seek to appoint an Associate Professor (or Professorship) of Geobiology to start no later than 31 July 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will work at the Department of Earth Sciences and will hold a Fellowship at Wolfson College. The appointment will be initially for 5 years at which point, upon completion of a successful review, the postholder will be eligible for reappointment to the retiring age. We welcome applications from scientists working in all aspects of Geobiology. We encourage applicants with expertise on the influence of life on the Earth system, including but not limited to study of biological revolutions and innovation in Earth history, remote characterisation of biosphere function, the deep biosphere, life in extreme environments, and molecular palaeobiology. We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong track record in using or developing tools such as those presented by the ‘omic’ revolution (e.g. bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and/or sedimentary geochemistry/mineralogy to develop our understanding of these biological systems in their geological context. This expertise plays into cutting edge research on the coevolution of the Earth and life in both terrestrial and marine systems either today or in the past, and in understanding the conditions for life on other planets. The closing date for application is December 20, 2019.
The Department of Geosciences at Princeton University announces competition for the 2020-2021 Harry Hess Fellows Program. This honorific postdoctoral fellowship program provides opportunities for outstanding geoscientists to work in the field of their choice. Research may be carried out independently or in collaboration with members of the Geosciences Department. One or more Hess Fellows may be appointed. Applicants must expect to have earned a Ph.D. at the time of the start of the fellowship, but not more than five years before. Current areas of research include: Biogeochemical Cycles, Paleoclimatology, Environmental Chemistry, Paleontology, Isotope Geochemistry, Petrology, Glaciology, Seismology, Geomicrobiology, Tectonics, Mineral Physics, Atmospheric Science, Oceanography, Planetary Science, Geochronology, Earth History. Applications are due on December 15, 2019 but evaluation of applications and interviews of candidates will begin immediately.
Goldschmidt is the foremost annual, international conference on geochemistry and related subjects, organized by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. Abstract submission deadline: February 14, 2020.
The purpose of the Understanding the Rules of Life: Epigenetics (URoL:Epigenetics) program is to enable innovative research and to promote multidisciplinary education and workforce training in the broad area of epigenetics. The URoL:Epigenetics program is a wide collaboration across Directorates/Offices within the National Science Foundation with a focus on understanding the relationship between epigenetic mechanisms associated with environmental change, organismal phenotype, and resultant robustness and adaptability of organisms and populations. Successful projects of the URoL:Epigenetics Program are expected to use complementary, interdisciplinary approaches to investigate how epigenetic phenomena lead to emergent properties that explain the fundamental behavior of living systems. Ultimately, successful projects should identify general principles (“rules”) that underlie biological phenomena within or across scales of size, complexity (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismal, population) and time (from sub-second to geologic) in taxa from anywhere within the tree of life, including humans. URoL:Epigenetics projects must integrate perspectives and research approaches from more than one research discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, social and behavioral sciences).The interdisciplinary scope of URoL:Epigenetics projects also provides unique training and outreach possibilities to train the next generation of scientists in a diversity of approaches and to engage society more generally. Letter of Intent Deadline: December 20, 2019.
SSP 1.4 Achievements and perspectives in scientific ocean and continental drilling: Scientific drilling through the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) continues to provide unique opportunities to investigate the workings of the interior of our planet, Earth’s cycles, natural hazards and the distribution of subsurface microbial life. The past and current scientific drilling programs have brought major advances in many multidisciplinary fields of socio-economic relevance, such as climate and ecosystem evolution, palaeoceanography, the deep biosphere, deep crustal and tectonic processes, geodynamics and geohazards. This session invites contributions that present and/or review recent scientific results from deep Earth sampling and monitoring through ocean and continental drilling projects. Furthermore, we encourage contributions that outline perspectives and visions for future drilling projects, in particular projects using a multi-platform approach. The deadline for abstract submission is January 15, 2020.
As host to one of only three IODP core repositories in the world – the only one in Europe – the MARUM in Bremen is an important hub for marine geoscientists. Taking advantage of this setting, the new ECORD Training Course will provide a “Virtual Drillship Experience” for scientists from academia and industry. This one-week course offers a basic training focusing on the IODP core flow procedures, preparing the participants for participating in an offshore drillship expedition, and instilling them with an appreciation for high standards in all kinds of coring projects. IODP-style lab exercises will form the foundation of the ECORD Training Course following the pattern of the unique “Virtual Ship” approach developed for the Bremen ECORD Summer Schools. The participants will be early career and established scientists from academia and industry from all over the world who have an interest in scientific drilling and development of professional skills in core analysis. The application deadline is January, 17 2020.
The DOE Scholars Program is designed to provide opportunities and attract talented undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates to appointments that are carefully designed to help prepare participants towards the full range of entry and mid-level research, technical and professional positions within DOE and organizations that support the DOE mission. DOE Scholars Program will introduce highly qualified students and postgraduates to DOE missions, functions, and operations. You will receive a stipend for your living expenses during this educational experience. Payments rates are determined by DOE, and are based on your educational level, skills, and experience. The minimum stipend for undergraduates is $ 600/week and $650/week graduate students and recent graduates. Travel reimbursement of inbound and outbound costs up to $1,000 for participants who live more than fifty miles, one-way, from the assigned hosting site. Depending on your project assignment, duration of appointment and funding availability, you may be eligible to receive an allowance for travel and training. Application deadline: January 3, 2020.
This NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program will support ten highly motivated and talented undergraduate students to conduct independent but guided research that focuses on Coastal Ocean Processes during an intensive 10-week program at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, CA. The program will provide students with hands-on research experience, training in laboratory and field methodologies, introductory lectures and special seminars in oceanography and marine science, academic and career advisement, professional development workshops, group activities and field trips to explore Catalina Island’s unique ecosystems. Applications are due by Feb. 14, 2020.
Understanding the Rules of Life (URoL): Predicting Phenotype is one of NSF’s 10 big ideas and is focused on predicting the set of observable characteristics (phenotypes) based on the genetic makeup of the individual and the nature of its environment. The Understanding the Rules of Life: Microbiome Theory and Mechanisms (URoL:MTM) program is an integrative collaboration across Directorates and Offices within the National Science Foundation. The objective of URoL:MTM is to understand and establish the theory and mechanisms that govern the structure and function of microbiomes, a collection of microbes in a specific habitat/environment. This may include but is not limited to host-associated microbiomes, such as those with humans and other organisms, where i) the microbiome impacts host physiology, behavior, development, and fitness; ii) the host influences the metabolic activity, dynamics and evolution of the microbiome, and iii) the environment (biological, chemical, physical, and social) influences and is influenced by both the host and the microbiome. Letter of Intent due date: January 17, 2020.
The Single Cell Genomics Center (SCGC) at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences will host a week-long bioinformatics course in October 2020. The purpose will be to enable existing and potential users of microbial single cell genomics data to work with their data more efficiently and effectively. Please help us determine potential topics to cover by filling this online survey.
The International Geobiology Course is an intense, multidisciplinary summer course that explores the co-evolution of the Earth and it’s biosphere, with an emphasis on how microbial processes affect the environment and leave imprints in the rock record. Participants get a hands-on learning experience in cutting-edge geobiological techniques including molecular biology, microbiology, geochemistry, and sedimentology and work in research groups to solve real research questions. Themes for this years’ course include: (1) Molecular biology and biogeochemistry of Mono Lake and its sediments;(2) Viruses and microbial biosignatures in hot springs;(3) Sedimentology and ecology of fossil seep environments. The course is directed by Alex Sessions, Woody Fischer, and Victoria Orphan, and will remain in a format similar to previous years. It begins with a field trip up the eastern Sierra Nevada to visit hot springs, Pleistocene sediments, and Mono Lake, across to the central valley to work on ancient seep outcrops. Two weeks of lab rotations at Caltech will introduce students to cutting-edge analytical techniques, such as metagenomics, FISH-SIMS, biomarkers, X-ray spectroscopy, and stable isotopes. We finish with 10 days at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island where students pursue research projects based on data collected by the course. The 2020 course is open to graduate students and postdocs at any level. For postdocs, preference will be given to those who earned PhD’s in other fields, and are seeking to enter the field of geobiology. The cost of the course is US$4000 which includes food and lodging; financial aid is available for those with demonstrated need. Applications due February 3, 2020.
This conference has been withdrawn from the 2020 conference schedule.
The FRES program will support research in Earth systems from the core through the critical zone. The project may focus on all or part of the surface, continental lithospheric, and deeper Earth systems over the entire range of temporal and spatial scales. FRES projects should have a larger scientific scope and budget than those considered for funding by disciplinary programs in the Division of Earth Sciences (EAR). FRES projects may be interdisciplinary studies that do not fit well within EAR’s disciplinary programs or cannot be routinely managed by sharing between disciplinary programs. Innovative proposals within a single disciplinary area with outcomes of potential broad relevance to Earth Science research are also encouraged. Investigations may employ any combination of field, laboratory, and computational studies with observational, theoretical, or experimental approaches. Projects should be focused on topics that meet the guidelines for research funded by the Division of Earth Sciences. Full proposal deadline: February 5, 2020.
Attending the 2019 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco, December 9-13, 2019? Be sure to check out these C-DEBI-related sessions of interest:
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone South – Hall D, Centennial Central
Moscone West – 3003, L3
Moscone West – 3003, L3
Moscone West – 2020, L2
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone West – 3012, L3
Moscone South – eLightning Theater II
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone West – 2005, L2
Moscone South – 303-304, L3
Moscone South – 151, Upper Mezz.
Moscone South – 151, Upper Mezz.
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone South – 151, Upper Mezz.
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone West – 3005, L3
Moscone West – 2002, L2
Moscone South – 213-214, L2
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone West – 3005, L3
Moscone South – 213-214, L2
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone South – Poster Hall
Moscone West – 3009, L3
Moscone South – 153, Upper Mezz.
See also the Deep Carbon Observatory’s AGU Fall Meeting Guide and consider attending IODP’s AGU Town Hall, ICDP’s Town Hall, and OOIFB’s Town Hall. and Missing a session of interest? Let us know.
The Geophysical Laboratory invites applications for Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships. Current research at the Geophysical Laboratory falls primarily within three overlapping thematic areas: Earth and Planetary Science, Astrobiology and the Origin of Life, and the Chemistry and Physics of Materials at Extreme Conditions. Synergies among these thematic areas, as well as links to many closely related research pursuits at Carnegie’s co-located Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, provide Carnegie Fellows with exceptional opportunities for collaboration. Investigations in earth and planetary sciences focus on the origin and evolution of earth and the terrestrial planets, core formation in planetary bodies, planetary melting and differentiation and the structure and dynamics of planetary interiors. Astrobiology focuses on the conditions and reactions necessary for life to emerge and be sustained on planetary bodies and the detection of life on and in extraterrestrial objects and ancient earth. Studies of the physics and chemistry of materials focus on understanding material behavior at extreme conditions, and the development of new synthesis pathways for novel materials and the design of property-specific materials from first principles. Completed applications for a Carnegie fellowship should be submitted no later than December 1, 2019.
The Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron has an open position for a post-doctoral research scientist in the areas of low-temperature geochemistry applied to Astrobiology and the Origins of Life. The position requires a Ph.D. in Geochemistry or Chemistry or related field. The candidate must have experience in using a geochemical modeling software for water-rock interactions, preferably Geochemist’s Workbench® or EQ3/EQ6, to model water-rock interactions. The position is available immediately. The position includes, but is not restricted to, design and execution of modeling (and, potentially, experiments) to fulfill project goals, interpretation of results, writing and submitting manuscripts for publication, providing regular written and oral updates of progress on the project, working with our collaborators, helping to write research proposals for funding, maintaining the laboratory, training high school, undergraduate and graduate students, and being involved in outreach and education activities, as needed. Applicants should contact Prof. Nita Sahai. Prof. Sahai has appointments in the Department of Polymer Science, Department of Geosciences and the Integrated Bioscience Program at the University of Akron. The application should include the following documents: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, pdfs of two-three published papers, and names and contact information of at least three references. Send applications to: sahai@uakron.edu. For more information, see: https://biomin.uakron.edu/dr-sahai/.
The Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites candidates to apply to the open full-time exempt tenure track position(s) on our scientific staff. We seek to hire one or more scientists at the Assistant Scientist level; however, qualified candidates may be considered at Associate Scientist without Tenure, Associate Scientist with Tenure, or Senior Scientist levels. As one of the largest and thematically diverse marine chemistry/geochemistry departments in the US, MC&G scientific staff conducts research throughout the world’s open-ocean, deep-sea, coastal and inland environments, develops sensors for in-situ measurements, analyzes samples using state-of-the-art analytical techniques, carries out laboratory-based experimental studies, and develops and applies computer models and remote sensing techniques. The successful candidate(s) will conduct research in any area of marine chemistry and geochemistry that complements and strengthens existing programs on the chemistry of the ocean and its interactions with the Earth as a whole. Opportunities for interdisciplinary research exist through collaborations with colleagues in the other science departments, centers, and labs, as well as with researchers in the broader Woods Hole scientific community. WHOI’s Scientific Staff is expected to provide for their salaries from grants and contracts. The Institution provides salary support when no other funding is available, as well as internal funding opportunities for developing innovative research projects. Candidates hired at the junior level will receive an initial appointment for four years. To apply, please visit http://careers.whoi.edu and respond to Job Reference 19-10-11. Review of applications will begin on December 16, 2019.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California San Diego invites applications to an assistant-level faculty position to be filled in one of the fields described below. We seek a motivated, broad-thinking scientist-educator to establish a vigorous research program and provide intellectual leadership in their field while complementing existing expertise at Scripps and other UCSD departments. SIO is a world-renowned center of marine research with approximately 200 principal investigators leading research programs in various earth, ocean, biological and atmospheric sciences. We are committed to academic excellence and diversity within the faculty, staff, and student body. The department seeks candidates who have demonstrated commitment to excellence by providing leadership in teaching, research, service, and building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous extramurally supported research program, be committed to active teaching and mentoring of graduate students and teach in the marine biology undergraduate major. The successful candidate will have opportunities to interact with SIO’s large-scale interdisciplinary field research programs, including the California Current Ecosystem-LTER, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI), and others. We seek to hire in one of the following areas: Fisheries Oceanographer, Protistan Biologist or Sea-Going Benthic Ecologist (see original posting for more details). For full consideration, please apply by December 20, 2019.
With Dr. James Bradley, Queen Mary University of London on “The power of microbial life in marine sediments.” Abstract: Marine sediments harbor more than half of all microbial cells in the ocean, many of which have been shown to survive for millennia – calling into question the limit for life. The energy turnover, i.e. power, of subseafloor microorganisms sets a limit on gene expression, mutation rates, and the survival of rare and novel taxa. However outside of measurements, laboratory experiments and modelling from specific sites, the power of subsurface life is virtually unknown. Here, we simultaneously quantify the distribution, rate and thermodynamic properties of particulate organic carbon degradation, as well as the global distribution of cells, and electron acceptors. Based on these factors, we estimate cell-specific power utilization in all Quaternary sediments. We report extreme and widespread energy-limitation in subseafloor sediments: >80% of cells subsist at powers that are less than the lowest energy flux calculated for any microbial habitat previously. Furthermore, we find global delineation of major subsurface metabolic zones, with stepwise decreases in per-cell power utilization following the redox state of the sediment. We assert that sediments should be considered as critical to understanding the cell-specific minimum power requirement for survival, as well as to predict the habitable boundaries of life on Earth.
Missed the last seminar with Dr. Jessica Labonté on “You are what you eat: a geochemical and microbial study of a 3000-year old stratigraphic sediment succession”? Watch it on YouTube.
The Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship Program offers merit-based awards for graduate students enrolled in a Ph.D. program to conduct research related to the International Ocean Discovery Program. The Fellowship year begins in either June or August (summer or fall semester) and runs one year. During the following summer, at the conclusion of the fellowship, Schlanger Fellows may attend a meeting of the U.S. Advisory Committee for Scientific Ocean Drilling (USAC) to present the initial results of their research and take part in U.S. Science Support Program-related activities. Fellowship awards are $30,000 for a 12-month period and are made to the fellow’s home institution. The entire amount is intended to be applied to the research project, student stipend, tuition, benefits, and, if necessary, related travel. No part of the award is to be used to cover institutional overhead, administrative costs, or permanent equipment. Award start dates can be negotiated on an individual basis—but in general are based on the academic year and following summer. The deadline for submission is December 6, 2019.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Dalhousie University invites applications for the Izaak Walton Killam Postdoctoral Fellowships. Dalhousie University awards annually approximately 5 new fellowships in all disciplines to Canadian or International scholars of superior academic research ability, who have not obtained their PhD degree from Dalhousie, and have obtained their degrees no earlier than Jan 1, 2018. The Department has a long history of demonstrated excellence in research and teaching, with a current emphasis on marine geology/geophysics, petroleum systems, tectonics, high temperature geochemistry/experimental petrology, earth surface processes, environment and human health, and environmental action research. It hosts various analytical and experimental facilities including the newly-established National Seismic Imaging Facility, recently upgraded and expanded facilities for cosmogenic isotope sample preparation, and a new stable isotope biogeochemistry laboratory (Facilities & Laboratories list). The main campus is situated in Halifax – a city known for its youthful spirit, rich history, and scenic waterfront. Information about the Earth and Environmental Sciences department, current faculty, and research and teaching programmes can be found at here. Killam Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable for two years and currently valued at $55,000 annually including full benefits and a travel allowance for transportation to and from Halifax, a one-time research allowance ($3,000) and a conference travel grant ($1,000). In preparing the research proposal, applicants are expected to discuss potential research projects with the Faculty members in their area of research interest. All documents arranged by the applicant must be forwarded as both an electronic copy and as a hard copy. The application deadline is December 16, 2019.
Stanford Science Fellowships are intended for exceptional early career scientists with great promise who have recently been awarded their PhD (within three years of starting fellowship, but with no more than two years of prior postdoctoral experience) or will be awarded their PhD by the start of the fellowship. Candidates are sought who intend to pursue experimental and/or theoretical research in any natural science discipline. Fellows will hold primary appointments in an academic unit in any participating school appropriate to their research interests. Successful candidates will have a strong record of scientific achievement, clear intellectual drive to advance scientific understanding, and a commitment to engage collaboratively with a diverse community of scholars and transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. Eight to ten fellows will be selected to start appointments between July 1 and September 1, 2020. International scholars are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2019.
The Marine Geosciences Section is looking to hire two new Science Assistants, one for the Marine Geology and Geophysics (MGG) Program and one for the Chemical Oceanography (CO) Program. The Science Assistant will work with either the MGG Program Officers or the CO Program Officers, as well as others in the Division of Ocean Sciences, providing service of value to the Programs and simultaneously developing an understanding of key aspects of the science and engineering enterprise that will be valuable to a future professional scientific career. Science Assistants help to manage the Program’s merit review process and award oversight activities, as well as participate in other developmental assignments including report preparation, working with other parts of NSF and other government agencies, and exchanging information with the scientific research community. Please pass the word along to students or others who might be interested. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in marine geosciences or marine biogeochemistry. Backgrounds in other fields of ocean sciences or earth sciences will also be considered. The preferred start date is January 2020, and the position will be for a maximum duration of two years. Statements of interest will be accepted until November 15, 2019.
The School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of South Carolina seeks applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Marine Population Dynamics in a Changing Climate. The nine-month academic appointment will commence on August 16, 2020. We invite candidates who will apply observational and/or quantitative modeling approaches to study the responses of marine populations to changes in ecosystem conditions at a regional scale. Topics could include, but are not limited to, research that considers relationships among marine ecosystems (including their productivity, resilience, distribution, and composition), physical climate stressors, effects of coastal development, or living marine resource availability. The new faculty member will complement existing expertise in the SEOE addressing adjustment of marine biological resources to various future climate scenarios. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and direct a vigorous, externally funded research program. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in the areas of marine science and/or fisheries, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level courses in the candidate’s area of specialization. The position will remain open until filled, and the search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 6, 2019.
The School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment (SEOE) invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in Marine Microbial Ecology beginning August 16, 2020. We seek an individual with outstanding research and teaching capabilities, with broad interests that are likely to include – but are not limited to – one or more of the following areas: microbial community structure and functional diversity, microbial roles in biogeochemical cycles, and/or microbial food web dynamics. The successful candidate will complement, strengthen, and diversify the School’s research program in marine science, will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and will direct an active, externally funded research program. Teaching responsibilities will include an undergraduate core course in marine science, as well as upper-level undergraduate and graduate-level courses related to the candidate’s specialty. Review of complete applications will begin November 6, 2019.
The Boone Pickens School of Geology at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a tenure-track, assistant professor position in hydrogeochemistry/low temperature geochemistry. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2020. The successful applicant should have a PhD degree in geosciences or related field at the time of appointment. Postdoctoral experience is preferred. We seek an individual with outstanding research and teaching capabilities who uses field and laboratory approaches to assess geochemical or biogeochemical processes that affect aqueous environments. Areas of interest may include geochemical/biogeochemical characterization of surface/subsurface aqueous systems, the influence of human activities on groundwater resources, and produced or high salinity waters. Screening of candidates will begin on October 15, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.
Goldschmidt is the foremost annual, international conference on geochemistry and related subjects, organized by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. Session Proposal Deadline: October 18, 2019.
The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is now accepting applications for scientific participants on Expedition 392 Agulhas Plateau Cretaceous Climate, aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Agulhas Plateau Cretaceous Climate Expedition 392 is a scientific ocean drilling project that seeks to understand the evolution of Earth’s climate system from the Cretaceous Supergreenhouse into the Icehouse world of the Oligocene through examination of temperature, ocean circulation, and sedimentation changes as pCO2 fluctuated from as much as 3500 parts per million by volume (ppmv) to less than 560 ppmv. The Late Cretaceous was marked by reduced meridional temperature gradients and oceanic sedimentation was punctuated by episodic deposition of organic-rich sediment known as Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs); however, whether these events resulted from enhanced productivity or sluggish circulation remains unclear. This expedition also seeks to understand the nature and formation of the Agulhas Plateau as a Large Igneous Province (LIP) following the breakup of Gondwana and its impact on the timing of oceanic gateway opening, which has implications for oceanic circulation, carbon cycling, and global climate during the Late Cretaceous. Expedition 392 is based on IODP Proposals 834-Full2 and 834-Add and will primarily target Cretaceous to Paleogene age sediment and igneous basement at five primary sites on Agulhas Plateau (4 sites) and Transkei Basin (1 site) to examine the nature of Agulhas Plateau basement, opening of oceanic gateways, and evolution of the climate system through the Cretaceous Supergreenhouse and into the Cenozoic. The expedition will take place from 4 February to 6 April 2021. Opportunities exist for researchers (including graduate students) in all shipboard specialties, including but not limited to sedimentologists, petrologists, micropaleontologists, paleomagnetists, petrophysicists, borehole geophysicists, igneous geochemists, inorganic and organic geochemists, and microbiologists. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2019.
The U.S. Science Support Program, associated with the International Ocean Discovery Program, is currently accepting proposals for planning workshops. Proposed workshops should promote the development of new ideas and strategies related to the study of the Earth’s processes and history using scientific ocean drilling. The workshop program encourages wide scientific community involvement to bring a broader and multidisciplinary approach to standing hypotheses and to explore new directions for IODP research and communication. Workshops may focus on a specific IODP scientific theme or topic, or they may focus on a geographic region, integrating multiple topics. Regionally-focused workshops offer opportunities to synthesize scientific results from past expeditions, or to develop drilling proposals for future expeditions. Prospective workshop proponents should consider long-term projected ship tracks in identifying potential geographic areas for focus. Workshops aimed at developing drilling proposals for implementation in the period beyond the current IODP science plan (2023) are welcomed. Funding may be requested for U.S.-based meetings or to support U.S. participants at larger international workshops. Broad-based scientific community involvement, co-sponsorship by related programs, and the active participation of early career researchers are strongly encouraged. The submission deadline is December 1, 2019.
Follow along on IODP Expedition 385 “Guaymas Basin Tectonics and Deep Biosphere” with the cruise blog of Andreas Teske, co-chief scientist and professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. This expedition will explore the most famous ocean spreading center in the Gulf of California, Guaymas Basin, by drilling a Northwest-to-Southeast transect across its flanking regions and axial valley. Look for expedition updates and images from the drill ship, the JOIDES Resolution, and for background on this expedition, deep earth science, hydrothermal vents, seafloor spreading in action, and subsurface microbiology and geochemistry. Take this opportunity to follow an exciting expedition probing the inner workings of an active seafloor spreading center!
The Consortium for Ocean Leadership is seeking a Program Specialist to join its Research and Education team. This is a full-time position reporting to the Vice President and Director, Research and Education.nThe Program Specialist provides professional support and specialized knowledge to support NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. The individual works with internal staff, as part of the Ocean Leadership team, as well as colleagues around the nation to support this program. The NOAA Ocean Exploration and Undersea Research Program Act of 2009 established a national ocean exploration program under NOAA. As the lead federal agency for ocean exploration, NOAA, through its Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER), coordinates and builds partnerships with other federal agencies and non‐federal partners to meet the goals and priorities for U.S. ocean exploration. NOAA’s OER program has made significant discoveries and captured public imagination about our ocean environment. COL supports NOAA OER in strategic planning and partnership building with the community of exploration performers and investors, including through organization of and improved continuity between National Ocean Exploration Forums and other community ocean science and technology events.
The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) explores Earth’s climate history, structure, mantle/crust dynamics, natural hazards, and deep biosphere as described in the IODP Science Plan Illuminating Earth’s Past, Present, and Future. IODP facilitates international and interdisciplinary research on transformative and societally relevant topics using the ocean drilling, coring, and downhole measurement facilities JOIDES Resolution (JR), Chikyu, and Mission Specific Platforms (MSP). Proposals are being actively sought for all three facilities. The JR is currently scheduled into the beginning 2022. Due to the recent facility renewal, we plan to schedule JR expeditions through the end of 2024. The JR is expected to operate in the Equatorial and North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Arctic in 2021 and 2022, and to complete its circumnavigation with a return to the east Pacific region by 2023, the western Pacific by 2023-2024, and potentially the Indian Ocean by the end of 2024. Proposals for these future operational areas are now needed. MSP expeditions are planned to operate once every other year to recover core from targets that are inaccessible by the other facilities (e.g., shallow water, enclosed seas, inland seas). MSP proposals for any ocean are welcomed. Completely new Chikyu riser proposals (other than CPPs) will not be accepted until after publication of a new post-2023 science plan. We also invite proposals that involve drilling on land and at sea through coordination with the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP). Investigators are reminded that the interval from the first proposal submission to expedition scheduling is on the order of 4-5 years due to the science and safety review process and required lead time for scheduling, and that adequate site characterization / site survey data are critical for success. Next submission deadline: October 1, 2019.
Scientific ocean drilling is central to the study of Earth’s climate history, tectonic evolution, geohazards, and deep biosphere. In an effort to foster a larger, more dynamic, and more diverse ocean drilling community, we encourage early career researchers to apply to this workshop, Demystifying the IODP Proposal Process for Early Career Scientists: Pacific Ocean. The workshop will begin with a series of speakers explaining the structure of IODP and how early career scientists can become involved in IODP activities, from sailing to expedition proposals. Then, workshop participants will work on the initial stages of developing real drilling proposals in the Pacific Ocean, where the JOIDES Resolution is expected to be operating beginning in 2023-2024. We aim to attract a diverse array of specialists (in geophysics, paleoceanography, deep biosphere, tectonics, etc.) to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. Workshop participation support is available from the U.S. Science Support Program for IODP, for a limited number of graduate students and early career researchers (i.e., those who have completed their PhD within the past 10 years) from U.S. institutions and organizations. The deadline to submit has been extended to November 6, 2019.
Scholarships are available to new or recent doctoral graduates in diverse areas of research. Applications will be accepted from doctoral recipients with research interests associated with the following Departments: Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering, Biology, Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry, Geology & Geophysics, Physical Oceanography [flyer]. A joint USGS/WHOI award will be given to a postdoc whose research is in an area of common interest between USGS and WHOI Scientific Staff [flyer]. The Ocean Bottom Seismograph Instrument Center (OBSIC) will award a fellowship for research on the earth’s internal structure and its dynamic processes using seafloor seismic measurements [flyer]. The Ocean Twilight Zone (OTZ) project will award a fellowship for research on midwater ecosystems and processes, including biomass, biodiversity, life histories and behavior, trophic interactions, links to the global carbon cycle, and ways to engage scientists with stakeholders [flyer]. Completed applications must be received by October 15, 2019.
The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) awards Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) to recent recipients of the doctoral degree for research and training in selected areas supported by BIO and with special goals for human resource development in biology. The fellowships encourage independence at an early stage of the research career to permit Fellows to pursue their research and training goals in the most appropriate research locations regardless of the availability of funding for the Fellows at that site. For applications under this solicitation, these areas are (1) Broadening Participation of Groups Underrepresented in Biology, (2) Interdisciplinary Research Using Biological Collections, (3) National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and (4) Integrative Research Investigating the Rules of Life Governing Interactions Between Genomes, Environment and Phenotypes. Proposal deadline November 19, 2019.
The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) awards Postdoctoral Fellowships to recent recipients of doctoral degrees to conduct an integrated program of independent research and professional development. Fellowship proposals must address scientific questions within the scope of EAR disciplinary programs and must align with the overall theme for the postdoctoral program. The program supports researchers for a period of up to two years with fellowships that can be taken to the institution of their choice (including institutions abroad). The program is intended to recognize beginning investigators of significant potential, and provide them with research experience, mentorship, and training that will establish them in leadership positions in the Earth Sciences community. Because the fellowships are offered only to postdoctoral scientists early in their career, doctoral advisors are encouraged to discuss the availability of EAR postdoctoral fellowships with their graduate students early in their doctoral programs. Fellowships are awards to individuals, not institutions, and are administered by the Fellows. Proposals due September 11, 2019.
With Dr. Jessica Labonté, Texas A&M Galveston on “You are what you eat: a geochemical and microbial study of a 3000-year old stratigraphic sediment succession.” Abstract: Microbes make up the majority of the biomass in sediment, where they play a role in cycling organic carbon and regulate the fluctuation of organic matter. In anoxic sediment, the relationships between geochemical gradients, genomic potential, and virus-host interactions remain understudied and poorly understood. I will present the results of our study of stratified sediments from anoxic sinkhole (Blackwood Sinkhole, Bahamas), where we analyzed the pore water chemistry analysis (nutrients, carbon, nitrogen), microbial community composition (16S rRNA gebe and metagenomics), and virus-host interactions. Through the characterization of the relationships of microbes between each other and with their environment, we aim to identify the role organic and inorganic matter availability plays in shaping viral and prokaryotic communities, as well as how microbial communities shape their environment. Missed the last seminar with Taylor Royalty on “Quantitatively partitioning microbial genomic traits among taxonomic ranks: implications for subsurface microbial communities?” Watch it on YouTube.
