C-DEBI Newsletter – March 15, 2021

C-DEBI Newsletter – March 15, 2021
A biweekly digest of deep biosphere news and opportunities
from the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations

Message from the Director:

Congratulations to the Reach Out Science Communication Challenge (https://www.mos.org/reach-out-challenge) semi-finalists from C-DEBI: Sabrina Elkassas (MIT-WHOI) and Rachel Weisend (Texas A&M Corpus Christi)! Cheer them on as they compete among 18 others in the Reach Out Semifinals live tentatively on April 13 (4PM Pacific) to the panel of expert science communicator judges: Raven Baxter (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.scimaven.com/__;!!HXCxUKc!mzdye10Tqm1aDaS81Hb1ovLEuOi0LShmpex5_F-yZUVODJ3RqSNZXl_Y5klKVbA$) , Emily Calendrelli (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.thespacegal.com/about__;!!HXCxUKc!mzdye10Tqm1aDaS81Hb1ovLEuOi0LShmpex5_F-yZUVODJ3RqSNZXl_YDbckuak$) , Jorge Cham (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/jorgecham.com/__;!!HXCxUKc!mzdye10Tqm1aDaS81Hb1ovLEuOi0LShmpex5_F-yZUVODJ3RqSNZXl_Yl-CSF68$) , and Melissa Cristina Márquez (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.melissacristinamarquez.com/__;!!HXCxUKc!mzdye10Tqm1aDaS81Hb1ovLEuOi0LShmpex5_F-yZUVODJ3RqSNZXl_YgvpXTZM$) .
More details to come.

We are also pleased to announce the inaugural event for our C-DEBI Virtual Meeting Series based on your enthusiasm for C-DEBI community activities at our last annual meeting. Ben Tully (USC) and Jake Weissman (USC) will kick off the series on new tools in bioinformatics on Monday April 5 (10:30AM – 12:00PM Pacific). Save the date for this first of our virtual events to be held monthly during the first week of each month, with a regular rotation of science workshops and professional development workshops. Each workshop will contain about 90 minutes of programming, including invited speakers to give plenary tutorials and presentations, breakout sessions, and plenary Q&A sessions. Stay tuned for more information.

Don’t forget to also tune in to our final C-DEBI Networked Speaker Series talk “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: A microbial tale of survival within the marine deep subsurface (https://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/outputs-resources/networked-speaker-series/nss-megan-mullis/) ” presented by Megan Mullis (Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi) on March 18 at 12:30PM Pacific Time.

Cheers,

Jan Amend
C-DEBI Director

Press
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Scientific American
100-Million-Year-Old Seafloor Sediment Bacteria Have Been Resuscitated (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/100-million-year-old-seafloor-sediment-bacteria-have-been-resuscitated/) (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
The evidence mounts that bacteria can be effectively immortal. Featuring the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program’s Expedition 329 to the South Pacific Gyre.

ResearchGate Researcher Stories
Steven D’Hondt, Searching beneath the ocean floor for a deeper understanding of life (https://www.researchgate.net/researcher-stories/stevendhondt) (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
By working collaboratively with other researchers, subsurface biology expert (and C-DEBI Co-Investigator) Steven D’Hondt is able to satisfy his thirst for knowledge – and make some truly incredible discoveries. Steven D’Hondt is a geomicrobiologist studying life in marine sediment and rock found deep beneath the seafloor – one of the very few ecosystems not yet pervasively altered by humans.

Meetings & Activities
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-NSF: Celebrating the NSF ADVANCE Program, March 3-31, 2021 (https://www.nsf.gov/events/event_summ.jsp?cntn_id=302062) –
Register for the online series March 3-31, 2021.

-C-DEBI Networked Speaker Series: Megan Mullis (Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi), March 18, 2021 (https://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/outputs-resources/networked-speaker-series/nss-megan-mullis/) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
Join us live online as Megan Mullis presents “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast: A microbial tale of survival within the marine deep subsurface”. Microbes play fundamental roles in ecosystem function through mediating biogeochemical cycles, yet we know very little about how microbes interact and what drives community diversity. The marine deep subsurface hosts a massive reservoir of microbial biomass that can be actively surviving (or even thriving) harsh conditions, such as high pH, low nutrients, or extreme temperatures. There are various methods to analyze microbial community diversity and functionality within the marine subsurface including culture-independent and -dependent methods. The studies presented here utilize this two-pronged approach to investigate microbial diversity, functionality, and specific survival mechanisms within two marine subsurface environments. Register in advance for the webinar on March 18, 2021 (12:30PM Pacific Time).

-NAS: Call for “Ocean-Shot” Concepts: Transformative Research for the Decade (https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/us-national-committee-on-ocean-science-for-sustainable-development-2021-2030#sl-three-columns-e33ae106-08bc-49e3-8baf-078797861e38) –
The next call for submissions is due April 1, 2021.

-AGU Honors and Asahiko Taira International Scientific Ocean Drilling Research Prize Nominations (https://www.agu.org/Honor-and-Recognize/Honors/Union-Prizes/Taira-Prize) –
Nomination deadline: April 15, 2021.
-JOIDES Resolution Facility Board: Request for Information (http://www.iodp.org/proposals/submitting-proposals) –
Submit by April 30, 2021 for consideration by the JRFB’s Working Group on Science Framework Proposals and Requirements, and by June 10, 2021 for consideration by the JRFB.

Ongoing Activities:
* -C-DEBI: Community Workshop Support (http://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/research-activities/research-support/workshops/) –
* NAS: The Science of Effective Mentoring in STEMM Podcast (https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/the-science-of-effective-mentoring-in-stemm)
* Unlearning Racism in Geoscience (URGE) (https://urgeoscience.org/) : January 18 to May 7, 2021
* Ridge Seminar Series (https://ridgeseminarseries.wordpress.com/)

Education & Outreach
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-CC-CREW: Community College Research Experiences at WHOI (https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/jhuber/cc-crew/) –
Formerly known as part of the C-DEBI CC-RISE Program for community college students, CC-CREW is a paid, non-residential summer research experience for local community college students to work at WHOI for 8-10 weeks ~June 15-August 15 (exact dates depend on student availability). Right now, the opportunity is limited to up to 4 students per summer, working in the Huber lab under the direct guidance of Dr. Gretta Serres but we will be expanding post-COVID. The students are part of the lab, participate in research, and get exposure to the many STEM careers a research institution like WHOI has to offer. Students receive mentoring on the transition from a community college to a university and on options for graduate studies in areas they are interested in. Students also have a chance to present their research to an audience of peers and mentors. Our 2021 program will likely be mostly virtual due to COVID restrictions. Applications are due March 31, 2021.

-University of Naples Federico II: New Masters Program in the Biology of Extreme Environments (http://www.bioextreme.it) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
The Department of Biology of the University of Naples Federico II will be starting a new Master Program in the Biology of Extreme Environments in September 2021 (currently pending approval from the Ministry). The program, the first one of its kind in Italy, will be entirely in English and is designed to provide graduates with specific knowledge of the biological processes of extreme environments at large, and their interaction with abiotic processes and humans. The degree has two curricula that can be selected at the end of the first semester. The first curriculum is on “Biological Resources”, and focuses on the biotechnological and sustainable resource exploitation of extreme environments. The second curriculum is on “Astrobiology”, and focuses on the use of extreme environments to support future and ongoing astrobiological research and space exploration. Please share your expression of interest (https://forms.gle/61y95j5d6yUM7od57) or find out more on the website
(http://www.bioextreme.it) .

Proposal Calls
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-NSF BIO / NIH: Enabling Discovery through GEnomics (EDGE (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21546/nsf21546.htm) )-
Full proposal deadlines: March 16, 2021 and February 17, 2022.

-NSF BIO: (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21524/nsf21524.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click) Dimensions of Biodiversity (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21545/nsf21545.htm) –
Full proposal deadline: March 26, 2021.

-IODP: Call for Drilling Proposals (http://iodp.org/proposals/call-for-proposals) –
Deadline: April 1, 2021.

-NSF BIO / CISE: Center for Advancement and Synthesis of Open Environmental Data and Sciences (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505829) –
Letter of intent due date: April 1, 2021.

-NSF: Organizational Change for Gender Equity in STEM Academic Professions (ADVANCE) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5383) –
Institutional Transformation preliminary proposal deadline date: April 22, 2021.

-NSF OCE: Request for Expression of Interest Regarding Provision of a Drilling Vessel to Support Future International Scientific Ocean Discovery (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21043/nsf21043.jsp) –
Expressions of Interest should be provided by May 1, 2021.

-NSF: Understanding the Rules of Life: Emergent Networks (URoL:EN) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21560/nsf21560.htm) –
Predicting Transformation of Living Systems in Evolving Environments. Full proposal deadline: May 10, 2021.

-NSF BIO: LEAding cultural change through Professional Societies (LEAPS) of Biology (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21049/nsf21049.jsp) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
The NSF’s Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) encourages professional societies to submit proposals to develop collaborative networks for facilitating cultural changes in the biological sciences to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. NSF BIO recognizes culture change in the biological sciences as an urgent priority and is committed to supporting efforts that use evidence-based practices to remove barriers for individuals historically excluded from science (based on gender, gender identity, disability status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or race). The purpose of this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) is to encourage proposals that will facilitate collaboration among biology professional societies resulting in advancements at scale that broaden participation at all levels of the STEM workforce in biology. Professional societies are uniquely positioned to lead cultural, structural, and social change through appointing or electing society leaders, convening meetings, publishing, issuing
awards, providing training, and creating career support networks. In response to this DCL, BIO encourages submission of Conference proposals, Planning Proposals, or RCN proposals. Proposals should be submitted by May 14, 2021.

-NSF: Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503214) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW
The CAREER Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the NSF’s most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. Full proposal deadline: July 26, 2021.

-NSF OCE: Chemical Oceanography (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=11698) –
Full proposal target dates: August 16, 2021 and February 15, 2022.

-NSF OCE: Physical Oceanography (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=12729) –
Full proposal target dates: August 16, 2021 and February 15, 2022.

-NSF: Research Traineeship (NRT) Program (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505015) –
Full proposal deadline date: September 6, 2021.

-NSF OISE: International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20598/nsf20598.htm) –
Track I: IRES Sites (IS) due date: September 21, 2021. Track II: Advanced Studies Institutes (ASI) due date: September 28, 2021.

-NSF: Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (NSF INCLUDES) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505289) –
Letter of intent deadline date: October 4, 2021.

-NSF: Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21511/nsf21511.htm) –
Full proposal deadline: October 11, 2021.

-NSF GEO: Ocean Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (OCE-PRF) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21538/nsf21538.htm) –
Full proposal deadlines: November 12, 2021.

-NSF HRD: Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5483) –
See the program solicitation for proposal windows and deadlines through 2021.

-NSF BIO: Integrative Research in Biology (IntBIO) (https://nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505850&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund) –
Full proposal deadline date: January 25, 2022.

-NSF: Mid-Career Advancement (MCA) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505749) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW
The MCA offers an opportunity for scientists and engineers at the Associate Professor rank (or equivalent) to substantively enhance and advance their research program through synergistic and mutually beneficial partnerships, typically at an institution other than their home institution. Projects that envision new insights on existing problems or identify new but related problems previously inaccessible without new methodology or expertise from other fields are encouraged. Full proposal target date: February 7, 2022.

Rolling Calls:
* -C-DEBI: Research Exchange Program (http://www.darkenergybiosphere.org/research-activities/research-support/exchange/) –
* IODP-USSSP: Proposals for Pre-Drilling Activities (http://usoceandiscovery.org/pre-drilling-activities/)
* NSF GEO: Antarctic Research Program Solicitation (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21567/nsf21567.htm)
* NSF GEO: Arctic Research Program Solicitation (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21526/nsf21526.htm)
* -NSF OCE: Biological Oceanography (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=11696) –
* NSF BIO IOS: IMAGiNE FG: Functional Genomics (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21034/nsf21034.jsp)
* NSF BIO DEB: Poorly Sampled and Unknown Taxa (PurSUiT) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20059/nsf20059.jsp)
* NSF BIO: Division of Environmental Biology (DEB) (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503634)
* NSF BIO: Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research (IIBR) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21502/nsf21502.htm)
* NSF: NSF and US-Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF) Research Cooperation (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20094/nsf20094.jsp)
* NSF BIO: NSF and UK Research and Innovation BBSRC Research Cooperation (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2020/nsf20118/nsf20118.jsp)
* NSF BIO: Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2018/nsf18088/nsf18088.jsp)
* NSF BIO: Research Experience for Teachers (RET) (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2018/nsf18089/nsf18089.jsp)
* NSF MCB: Transitions to Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Research (https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505821) (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW
The Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB) has developed a new opportunity to enable researchers with a strong track record of prior accomplishment to pursue a new avenue of research or inquiry. This funding mechanism is designed to facilitate and promote a PI’s ability to effectively adopt empowering technologies that might not be readily accessible in the PI’s current research environment or collaboration network. The award is intended to allow mid-career or later-stage researchers (Associate or Full Professor, or equivalent) to expand or make a transition in their research programs via a sabbatical leave or similar mechanism of professional development and then develop that research program in their own lab. This award will also enable the PI to acquire new scientific or technical expertise, facilitate the investigator’s competitiveness, and potentially lead to transformational impacts in molecular and cellular bioscience.
* NSF: Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplement (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21013/nsf21013.jsp)
* NSF: Career-Life Balance (CLB) Supplement (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21021/nsf21021.jsp)
* UNOLS: Cruise Opportunity Program (https://www.unols.org/unols-cruise-opportunity-program)

Employment
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-NSF OCE: Two Program Director Positions in Chemical Oceanography (https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=302154&org=OCE) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
The Chemical Oceanography (CO) Program within the Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE) in the Directorate of Geosciences (GEO) announces a nationwide search for two Program Directors (one Permanent, one Rotator) with experience and expertise in any aspect of chemical oceanography. The CO Program supports research into the chemistry of the oceans and the role of the oceans in global geochemical cycles. Areas of interest include chemical composition, speciation, and transformation; chemical exchanges between the oceans and other components of the Earth system; internal cycling in oceans, seas, and estuaries; and the use of measured chemical distributions as indicators of physical, biological, and geological processes. The person selected for this position will work with the other program officers who oversee the CO program to balance the award portfolio across the range of disciplines supported by the Program. NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the agency’s
overall mission to support innovative science and merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education that contribute to the nation’s technical strength, security, and welfare. This responsibility requires the appropriate scientific expertise and breadth of knowledge as well as a commitment to high standards, receptivity to new ideas, and a high degree of personal integrity. Applications are due March 19, 2021.

-University of Colorado Boulder: Postdoctoral Position in Ocean Biogeochemistry (https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/PostDoctoral-Associate/28572) –
Review of applications will begin on March 22, 2021, and continue until the position is filled.

-Gulf of Maine Research Institute: Chief Scientific Officer (https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/451541) –
Applications due March 31, 2021.

-Oregon State University: CEOAS Sea-going Oceanographer Cluster Hire (https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/cluster-hire/) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) at Oregon State University is pleased to re-open the search for four (4) research-focused, tenure-track, open rank professor positions, who maintain or have the potential to maintain sea-going research programs. This is a cluster hire that promotes interdisciplinary research across four focus areas: Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, and Marine Geology and Geophysics. Applications to more than one position is suggested for candidates with interdisciplinary focus. Given the extensive delay in this hiring action we are inviting new applicants as well as encouraging previous applicants to update their application materials. We seek faculty members who will develop and maintain vigorous, externally funded, sea-going research programs. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with interests that complement or strengthen existing CEOAS research areas, and will instigate new and
innovative college- and university-wide, national and international oceanographic research programs. Review of applications will begin on April 16, 2021 and continue until April 30, 2021.

-Georgia State University: Permanent Lecturer in Geosciences (https://geosciences.gsu.edu/2021/03/08/full-time-geosciences-non-tenure-track-position-open) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
Become part of a vibrant group of faculty in the Department of Geosciences at Georgia State University, an institution recognized nationally for leadership in innovation, research growth, and the academic success of diverse populations. To fill this permanent, non-tenure-track position(s), we are delighted to receive applications from scholars whose expertise draws from environmental science or a related field to teach introductory environmental science/studies courses and participate in the department’s initiative to develop high-quality online course modules. We welcome applications whose expertise complements that of existing faculty, including the social and environmental dimensions of water, environmental geochemistry, global climate change, and/or urban and environmental justice. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure consideration, please submit all electronic materials by April 30, 2021.

-WHOI: Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer (https://careers-whoi.icims.com/jobs/1396/chief-diversity%2c-equity%2c-and-inclusion-officer/job) – (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116386) – NEW!
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution invites applications for our first Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer to join the Institution reporting to our President and Director. WHOI’s Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer will take a leadership role and report directly to, and counsel, our President and Director in the design of a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy and implementation plan. This strategy will foster a culture of connection, community, and belonging across the Institution, ensure equitable systems, and help build a diverse workforce. The position will begin remotely due to the pandemic but will be located in Woods Hole, MA.

-Heising-Simons Foundation: Science Program Officer (https://www.hsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Science-Program-Officer.pdf) –

-MBARI: Principal Investigator or Principal Engineer (focus on seafloor patterns and processes) (https://www.mbari.org/principal_investigator_engineer/) –