OUR STATEMENT
The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.
                                                             
GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) administers the Master of Science in marine science program for California State Universities in northern and central California, and it is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in both education and research. An outfitted marine operations department, active research diving program, and state-of-the-art equipment allow for cutting edge research in a wide variety of disciplines including: marine ecology; the biology of marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, turtles, birds and mammals; oceanography and marine geology; chemistry and biogeochemistry. MLML is known for a hands-on, field-oriented approach, which places our students, faculty, researchers, and staff at the frontiers of marine science worldwide where discoveries are being made. The Vertebrate Ecology Laboratory at MLML studies the physiology, behavior, and ecology of marine mammals, birds and turtles.

The postdoctoral researcher will work under the direction of Associate Professor Birgitte McDonald on a National Science Foundation funded project: foraging ecology and physiology of emperor penguins in the Ross Sea. Understanding the mechanisms that animals use to find and acquire food is a fundamental question in ecology. Predators need to be able to adjust their foraging behavior depending on the conditions they encounter. Our primary goal is to identify behavioral and physiological variability in foraging Emperor Penguins that can be linked to individual success in the marine environment during two critical life history stages. We will investigate the foraging energetics, ecology, and habitat use of Emperor Penguins at Cape Crozier, the 2nd most southern colony, during late chick-rearing (field seasons Oct/Nov 2022 and 2024). Energy management is particularly crucial during late chick-rearing as parents need to feed both themselves and their rapidly growing offspring while being constrained to regions near the colony. Additionally, we are studying the ecology and habitat preference after the molt and through early reproduction using satellite-linked data loggers (field season Jan/Feb 2023). The postdoctoral scholar will take the lead on one or two aspects of the project. Potential projects include determining the habitat use of post-molt emperor penguins (tags are still collecting data), or investigating the foraging energetics of late chick-rearing emperor penguins. The postdoc will also participate in mentoring of graduate students and outreach activities. The last field season is tentatively scheduled for Oct/Nov 2024. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Work with the PI and graduate students to conduct research investigating the foraging ecology, energetics, and habitat use of emperor penguins. Under the guidance of the mentor, the postdoc will collect and analyze data, and write manuscripts.
2. Work with PI to coordinate the fieldwork. This includes conducting an inventory, ordering field and lab supplies, testing data loggers, and packing and shipping gear.
3. Assist the PI with the development of a new biologging course.
4. Assist with the training of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
5. Act as a mentor to graduate students in the Vertebrate Ecology Lab.
6. Participate in career development activities such as workshops at conferences and courses offered at San José State University (SJSU).
7. Responsibilities may evolve to ensure the postdoctoral scholar continues to develop professional skills.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

1. Reports to the project director.
2. Work collaboratively with professors and graduate students from MLML and other researchers involved with this collaborative effort.

  None. QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

• Ph.D in biology or a related discipline is required. 
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with birds or mammals (preferred marine species). Experience with animal capture, blood sampling, and data logger attachment is required.
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with large data sets — ideally with a specialization in animal movement is required.
• Full proficiency in use of computer equipment and software, including Microsoft Office, and programing in R or MATLAB is required.
• Experience mentoring students in the field and lab is desired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities required

• Extensive knowledge of biology.
• Skilled in techniques necessary to process and analyze large data sets using R or MatLab.
• Excellent writing skills; grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines with little supervision.
• Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

Physical Requirement

• Must be able to sit or stand to operate a PC, including mouse and keyboard.
• Must be able to walk or sit for continuous periods throughout the day, with appropriate rest periods taken.
• Must be able to drive an automatic transmission truck.
• Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
• Must be able to hike up to 4 miles daily carrying heavy backpacks (30-40 lb).
• Must be able to get Medical and Dental clearance to work in a remote field camp in Antarctica.
• Must be able to conduct fieldwork in cold conditions.

Complexity of Duties

• Job duties are complex and include analyzing and modeling the results, conducting lab work, writing up and presenting findings, and working with a diverse team of researchers.