Description

Research Assistant Professor - Full-Time

Geology and Environmental Sciences - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (25006927)

Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory, University of Pittsburgh

Position Type: Full-time, Research Track

Primary Appointment: Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory

Research Affiliation: Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab

Reports To: Emily Elliott, Professor, Geology & Environmental Sciences

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Position Summary

The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory seeks a Research Assistant Professor with dual affiliation in the Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab to bridge the Collaboratory's regional water research network with cutting-edge analytical capabilities. This unique position combines the advantages of both institutions: the Collaboratory appointment provides lead roles in multi-institutional proposal development, visibility across federal agencies, utilities, and regional stakeholders, access to diverse funding streams, and a platform for translating research into practice; the Lab affiliation offers complete access to state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, operational authority for water quality and greenhouse gas measurement systems (coordinating with the existing Research Assistant Professor who leads IRMS systems), laboratory space and technical support, and integration with an active research program mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. The successful candidate will lead collaborative proposal development (30%), provide technical leadership for water chemistry and greenhouse gas analytical systems (25%), build data management infrastructure, including LIMS implementation (15%), publish synthesis papers integrating findings across network projects (15%), and mentor graduate and undergraduate students (15%). This dual-affiliation model enables building a research program with strong institutional support while leading collaborative proposals with ready-made partner networks and time-sensitive opportunities with academic colleagues and corporate partners.

This is a three-year term appointment, with the potential for renewal contingent upon securing future funding and satisfactory performance. The appointment is a non-tenured, appointment stream with promotion potential. The preferred start date is February 1, 2026; however, this is negotiable. This role is designated as on-site and requires incumbents to report to work at the University of Pittsburgh.

About the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory

The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory is an interdisciplinary network connecting researchers, water utilities, government agencies, NGOs, and community partners to address critical water issues. Our established network includes academic researchers across institutions, federal and state agency collaborators, utilities, and NGOs. Current research priorities span nutrient pollution and eutrophication management, combined sewer overflow impacts, legacy and emerging contaminants, climate change impacts on water systems, and urban stream restoration.

Primary Responsibilities

Collaborative Proposal Development (30%): Lead multi-institutional proposals with established Collaboratory partners, including USGS, DoD, US Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, regional utilities, and potential corporate partners. Identify funding opportunities aligned with partner priorities and develop competitive proposals to NSF, EPA, USGS, and foundations. For collaborative proposals, lead methods sections, preliminary data generation, and data management plans while coordinating budgets and timelines across multiple institutions.

Technical Leadership & Analytical Methods (25%): Provide technical leadership for laboratory water quality analysis systems, including Lachat nutrient analyzer and spectrophotometer, and manage greenhouse gas measurement systems for CH4, N2O, and CO2 via gas chromatography. Optimize instrument performance, develop standard operating procedures, and ensure instruments remain operational and "run-ready" for lab and Collaboratory users. Establish comprehensive protocols for water quality sensor deployment, maintenance, and calibration, then train Collaboratory users on sensor use through workshops. Develop new analytical methods, establish QA/QC protocols and data flagging standards for lab and network, and conduct method comparison studies. This role coordinates with the lab's Research Assistant Professor, who leads IRMS systems, ensuring a clear division of analytical responsibilities.

Data Management & Systems Architecture (15%): Design and implement a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking and data management serving both lab and Collaboratory needs. Develop data management standards and protocols for multi-institutional projects, create data sharing platforms and workflows for network partners, and establish metadata standards and documentation requirements. Build systems for real-time sensor data collection and quality control, create automated data validation workflows, and develop data portals providing users with access to data. Implement QA/QC protocols across all data streams, develop quality assurance project plans for collaborative studies, and ensure data meets regulatory and funding agency requirements while supporting partners with data management planning.

Manuscript Development & Synthesis (15%): Serve as first author on methods development and analytical technique papers, and first or senior author on synthesis papers integrating datasets across network projects. Lead collaborative manuscripts with multiple partner co-authors, synthesize data across projects to identify cross-cutting patterns, and develop conceptual frameworks integrating findings from urban watershed research. Publish in both disciplinary journals and applied venues. Translate findings for diverse audiences through technical reports and white papers and present at both scientific and practitioner conferences.

Research Mentoring & Capacity Building (15%): Train Pitt Isotope Tracers Lab graduate and undergraduate students on advanced analytical methods, co-mentor on research design and field methods, and review student data and manuscripts focusing on methods and interpretation. Develop training workshops for lab and Collaboratory members, create protocols and guidance documents for network-wide use, and build technical capacity within the Collaboratory. Attend student meetings when technical expertise is needed and support student professional development.

Required Qualifications

PhD in aquatic biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, limnology, oceanography, or related field with a minimum of 5 years post-PhD research experience in aquatic sciences. Demonstrated expertise in water quality analytical methods, including continuous flow analyzers, gas chromatography, and spectrophotometers. Strong data management skills with database systems or LIMS experience. Field sensor and water quality monitoring equipment experience. Strong publication record with first-author papers, experience designing field campaigns, and proven ability to write competitive grant proposals with data management plans. Track record of successful multi-institutional or multi-agency collaborations, excellent communication skills for diverse audiences, and demonstrated ability to train technical users.

The successful candidate will lead development of multiple competitive collaborative proposals annually, working across the established network of federal agencies, utilities, and regional stakeholders to secure sustained funding. They will provide technical leadership by stabilizing and optimizing water quality and greenhouse gas analytical systems, establishing comprehensive sensor deployment and calibration protocols, and building capacity through training workshops. Candidates will design and implement a laboratory-wide LIMS system that serves both research and service needs, develop QA/QC protocols and data flagging standards across the network, and create data management infrastructure that meets federal agency requirements. They will publish multiple peer-reviewed papers annually as first or senior author, synthesizing findings across collaborative projects into high-impact publications while translating technical results for diverse audiences through reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement—ultimately establishing themselves as recognized scientific and technical leaders connecting cutting-edge aquatic biogeochemistry with applied water resource management solutions.

Application Instructions

• Submit a cover letter (2-3 pages) addressing your vision for leading collaborative proposals, technical expertise for lab and Collaboratory needs, approach to synthesizing data across projects, examples of successful partnerships, and why this dual affiliation model appeals to you.

• Include CV with complete publication list, grant history, collaborative projects, and technical and instrumentation expertise.

• Please email three professional reference letters that address your professional experiences as related to this position to michele.gavin@pitt.edu.

Application Deadline: 1/6/2026 - and applications will be reviewed immediately for consideration| Anticipated Start Date: 2/1/2026

Contact: Emily Elliott, Professor | Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory / Geology & Environmental Sciences | University of Pittsburgh | eelliott@pitt.edu | 412/422.8882

• Cover letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Three professional reference letters

Read application instructions below for full details.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

PI280889616