Dear Colleagues,
I would be grateful if you would forward this on to any potential candidates. Thanks!
Postdoctoral Position in Public Participation in Digitization of Biodiversity Collections
A postdoctoral position is available with iDigBio in the research group of Austin Mast (Department of Biological Science, Florida State University; http://www.bio.fsu.edu/faculty-mast.php) to study engagement of the public in the digitization of biodiversity research collections, produce best practice and standards documents related to this in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, and assist in the design of interoperability between the iDigBio portal/cloud, public participation tools, and public participation content management systems. iDigBio (www.idigbio.org) is the central resource for NSF's Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections Program (ADBC), and it is located at the University of Florida and Florida State University.
There are approximately 1 billion biodiversity specimens at US institutions, but only about 10% of these are digitized (e.g., databased, georeferenced, and/or digitally imaged). ADBC is funding large-scale, collaborative digitization by thematic collection networks (TCNs) focused on particular research themes. Seven TCNs involving 134 institutions have been funded to date, with more to be announced in July. Among other activities, iDigBio is overseeing implementation of standards and best practices for digitization in this community and developing a cloud environment for existing and future digital content about biodiversity specimens and a portal to it.
A Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., biodiversity research, biodiversity informatics) is required, as is demonstration of (1) familiarity with biodiversity collections and some aspect of their digitization, (2) familiarity with (or interest to learn) relevant principles of informatics, (3) successful collaboration and time management skills, and (4) successful written and oral communication skills. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to interact positively and productively with a wide range of people (more so than in many other postdoctoral positions), including other members of iDigBio, members of the large ADBC community (e.g., in working groups and workshops), software developers working on digitization tools, other members of the citizen science community, and members of the public.
Annual salary starts at $40,000, and the position is expected to be for two years. It is based in Tallahassee, Florida, a small state capital bordered on the south and west by the Apalachicola National Forest and on the north by the historical hunting plantations of the Red Hills Region. White-sand beaches, clear freshwater springs, and hiking and biking trails are within easy driving distances of town. The region is one of North America's biotic hotspots.
To apply, send a cover letter and CV with contact information for three references in a single pdf file to Austin Mast (amast@bio.fsu.edu). In the cover letter, please cite past activities that demonstrate each of (1) through (4) above as well as provide the date on which you could start the position and a paragraph or two on your long-term career goals and how you see this position fitting into them. Applications will be considered beginning on July 8 until the position is filled. Florida State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
With best regards,
Austin Austin Mast Associate Professor Director of the Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium Associate Editor, Systematic Biology and Systematic Botany Member of the Steering Committee of iDigBio, The National Resource for Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections
Department of Biological Science 319 Stadium Drive Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 32306-4295 U.S.A.
Office: King Life Science Building, room 4065 Lab: King Life Science Building, rooms 4068 and 4084 Herbarium: Biological Science Unit One, room 100
Voice: 1 (850) 645-1500 Fax: 1 (850) 645-8447
amast@bio.fsu.edu