Research Scientist chez OSAGE NATION

Description

The Research Scientist will play a critical role in supporting Indigenous food sovereignty programs by leading the development of a world class environmental research program at the Osage Nation Harvest Land facility. The Research Scientist will gather samples and analyze data in order to assess the movement and bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants, such as PFAS, in the Osage Nation food web. This position requires a deep commitment to supporting community empowerment and cultural preservation. This position is ideal for an independent, innovative thinker with a proven track record of leading research projects, publishing in reputable journals, and creating successful transdisciplinary proposals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

•      PhD in Plant and Soil Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Toxicology or a closely related field.

• Minimum of 1+ years in experience leading research projects with a demonstrated ability to develop externally funded research projects and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to write, publish, and present research findings to diverse audiences.
• Laboratory experience relevant to LC-MS and environmental sample characterization
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with an aptitude for engaging in transdisciplinary research.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Must be able to pass drug/alcohol testing
• Must have a valid driver’s license – may be required to drive GSA or Nation vehicles

Preferred Qualifications

• Established network within environmental science communities and funding agencies.
• Experience in or willingness to engage in collaborative, cross-disciplinary research teams.
• Record of securing research funding through grants or institutional support.
• PFAS analytical experience.
• Experience working in complex environmental matrices, such as plant and animal tissues, soils, and water
• A deep respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, food sovereignty, and environmental and social principles and
• Experience working directly with Indigenous communities on food security, land management, or cultural revitalization projects
• Experience with proposal development, preferably with success in securing grants or other funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead Independent Research Projects: Design, execute, and oversee high-impact environmental research projects, from conceptualization through to completion.

• Maintenance, care, and use of the new Waters Xevo TQ-S micro, which is tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer to be optimized for measurements of PFAS compounds in complex environmental matrices, such as plant and animal tissue as well as soil and water samples.
• Mentoring of graduate students: in conjunction with Texas Tech University faculty, the Research Scientist will help mentor and develop research aspects for three PhD students. The goals of the students are related to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and chemical analysis of PFAS compounds in Osage food production systems.

• Program Development: Develop Proposals by working collaboratively to craft transdisciplinary research aimed at securing external funding, partnerships, and fostering cross-sector engagement with the primary goal of supporting and developing the scientific research program at Harvest Land. Proposal development should engage with experts across various fields to integrate insights and methods that enhance the breadth and impact of Osage research initiatives.

• Publish Research: Aid in co-authorship of peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication in high impact scientific journals; Attend conferences approximately once per year with graduate students to present research findings. Aid Waters Incorporated with the publication of Technical Notes for PFAS analyses in environmental matrices.
• Establish strong working relationships with community leaders, Elders, and stakeholders, ensuring respect for cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Collaborate with Indigenous organizations, governmental bodies, and non-profit entities to shape policies that support Indigenous food security, cultural preservation, and land stewardship.