Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

The Patrick Center for Environmental Research (PCER), a division of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, is seeking an aquatic scientist with a strong interest in environmental research and management. PCER is a cross disciplinary scientific team that focuses on interrelationships of humans and the environment, particularly as they apply to aquatic systems. Currently, PCER works in locations in North America and on the north coast of South America. PCER has strong Phycology, Fisheries, and Environmental Policy programs, that are also supported by capacities in biogeochemistry, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and science communication. We are seeking a creative scientist who will add new capacity to our division.

The new Section Leader will have the opportunity to establish a disciplinary specialty within PCER and will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director and the PCER Leadership Team to expand the department’s scientific and operational capacity. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant freshwater specialty and will be seeking a non-traditional position with a high-performance team that is working to address some of the most significant environmental issues of our time. Areas of particular interest to PCER include, but are not limited to: freshwater ecology, ecological restoration, endangered/invasive species, climate resilience, macroinvertebrates, geochemistry, emerging contaminants, environmental genomics, community science.

Section Leader will be expected to have experience in securing grant or contract funding, and that they will continue to secure funding to maintain and grow their Section. This position is durational for two years but may be extended with continued funding success.

This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.   

Essential Functions

• Identify, write and submit grant proposals for funding opportunities, and seek out contract work. 
• Provide expertise on a discipline or specialty within freshwater sciences that would drive PCER projects on environmental research, management, consultation and public engagement.
• Contribute to the implementation of PCER business and strategic planning. 
• Be an active member of the Patrick Center Leadership Team, contributing to overall planning and operations of the division. 
• Manage research and projects by ensuring that fieldwork, lab work, data management, data analysis and report writing occur in a timely manner and within budgets. 
• Manage and build a team of staff working to accomplish the goals of the section’s research. 
• Provide staff with professional development opportunities and support their growth. 
• Design and provide deliverables for grants and maintain relationships with funders and partners. 
• Coordinate or serve as lead PI on multi-disciplinary projects. 
• Publish peer-reviewed papers as appropriate.
• Give presentations at national and local conferences as well as to local partner organizations. 
• Develop and maintain facilities for department. 
• Maintain Section and research webpages as needed.
• Design and provide deliverables for grants and maintain relationships with funders. 
• Communicate results of research in technical and non-technical forms. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Science related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum of 3 years post-doctoral conferral. 
• Ability to acquire funding sufficient to establish and maintain a research or consulting program.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage scientific projects with identified deliverables.
• Excellent communications skills, ability to both self-manage and perform as part of an integrated team.
• Experience working in cross-functional and/or multi-disciplinary team.
• Interest in applying environmental science to human dimension issues, especially equity and environmental justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Capacity and interest in supervising staff scientists across disciplines including geochemistry or aquatic entomology.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

• Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $ 62,630.00 - $93,950.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure. 

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.