TRIBAL COLLEGE JOURNAL
Salish Sea Research Center Postdoctoral Scholar
TRIBAL COLLEGE JOURNAL, Bellingham, Washington, us, 98227
SCOPE OF WORK
The Salish Sea Research Center (SSRC) at Northwest Indian College invites applications for a full‑time postdoctoral scholar position in harmful algae, biotoxins, and shellfish analysis. Northwest Indian College’s mission is to provide access to higher education for Indigenous people and to promote leadership in protecting homelands and resources. The SSRC embodies this mission by conducting community‑identified research, advancing inclusive Indigenous science, and building capacity for future generations of Native scientists. This position is designed to braid Indigenous values of stewardship, respect, and intergenerational learning into scientific research and training. The SSRC is a 4,200 sq. ft. facility equipped with advanced analytical instruments including an Agilent LC‑MS/MS and two research vessels. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of Tribal, academic, state, and federal partners, contributing to community‑engaged projects while mentoring Indigenous students in marine and environmental sciences focusing on water quality and harmful algae in the Salish Sea and surrounding freshwater watersheds. Our work addresses marine issues that impact Indigenous communities in the region. With a history of harmful algae events, the SSRC actively monitors both freshwater and marine systems for harmful algae and biotoxins, employing microscopy, genomics, and chemical analyses. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting tribal sovereignty and environmental stewardship by conducting community‑identified projects on harmful algae, seafood safety, and biotoxins.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The postdoctoral scholar will work directly with Dr. Melissa Peacock at the Salish Sea Research Center on projects related to the impact of Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) species and their biotoxins on marine food security.
Duties will include:
Conduct laboratory and field‑based research on harmful algae and associated toxins.
Perform toxin analysis in shellfish and water samples using LC‑MS/MS and related analytical tools.
Apply molecular biology (qPCR/dPCR) and microscopy methods for harmful algae identification and quantification.
Collaborate with Tribal, academic, and federal partners to expand regional HAB monitoring and data sovereignty practices.
Mentor and train undergraduate student interns, with a focus on supporting Indigenous students pursuing careers in marine science and environmental health. This includes our summer research experience.
Present findings through reports, peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and culturally relevant community engagement events.
Participate in outreach that strengthens Tribal food sovereignty, ecosystem health, and workforce development for Indigenous communities.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Toxicology, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Experience in harmful algal bloom monitoring, toxin analysis, or shellfish biology.
Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and communicate effectively, including with Tribal partners.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS/MS or other toxin detection methods.
Experience with shellfish collection, handling, and/or physiology.
Familiarity with Indigenous communities, Indigenous research methodologies, or community‑based research approaches.
Experience mentoring Indigenous or underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Experience leading collaborative research projects and contributing to grant reporting.
Other Qualifications
Must have a current driver’s license and a driving abstract that meets employer qualifications for insurability.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The chosen applicant may supervise two or more student interns who are conducting research and may carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the college’s personnel policies and applicable laws.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment for this position is primarily within the laboratory, although some outdoor field sampling may be required. Outdoor work could involve exposure to moderate levels of heat, cold, humidity or rain. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
APPLICATION PROCESS Interested individuals should submit the following application materials directly to the NWIC Human Resources Office only.
Cover letter addressing how you meet the position qualifications
NWIC Application
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) form
Current and complete professional resume
Copies of college transcripts (official copy requested at time of hire)
Three letters of recommendation from persons, who not members of your immediate family, who have firsthand knowledge of your qualifications for the position
If applicable to the position, provide copies of certificates/licenses/credentials
The job announcement and application forms are available online at -
Employment - Northwest Indian College
Submit application to:
Northwest Indian College
Human Resources
2522 Kwina Road Building 26
Bellingham, WA 98226-9278
Telephone/Fax: (360) 392-4230
Email: employment@nwic.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The postdoctoral scholar will work directly with Dr. Melissa Peacock at the Salish Sea Research Center on projects related to the impact of Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) species and their biotoxins on marine food security.
Duties will include:
Conduct laboratory and field‑based research on harmful algae and associated toxins.
Perform toxin analysis in shellfish and water samples using LC‑MS/MS and related analytical tools.
Apply molecular biology (qPCR/dPCR) and microscopy methods for harmful algae identification and quantification.
Collaborate with Tribal, academic, and federal partners to expand regional HAB monitoring and data sovereignty practices.
Mentor and train undergraduate student interns, with a focus on supporting Indigenous students pursuing careers in marine science and environmental health. This includes our summer research experience.
Present findings through reports, peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and culturally relevant community engagement events.
Participate in outreach that strengthens Tribal food sovereignty, ecosystem health, and workforce development for Indigenous communities.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Toxicology, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
Experience in harmful algal bloom monitoring, toxin analysis, or shellfish biology.
Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and communicate effectively, including with Tribal partners.
Preferred Qualifications
Hands‑on experience with LC‑MS/MS or other toxin detection methods.
Experience with shellfish collection, handling, and/or physiology.
Familiarity with Indigenous communities, Indigenous research methodologies, or community‑based research approaches.
Experience mentoring Indigenous or underrepresented students in STEM fields.
Experience leading collaborative research projects and contributing to grant reporting.
Other Qualifications
Must have a current driver’s license and a driving abstract that meets employer qualifications for insurability.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The chosen applicant may supervise two or more student interns who are conducting research and may carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the college’s personnel policies and applicable laws.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment for this position is primarily within the laboratory, although some outdoor field sampling may be required. Outdoor work could involve exposure to moderate levels of heat, cold, humidity or rain. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
APPLICATION PROCESS Interested individuals should submit the following application materials directly to the NWIC Human Resources Office only.
Cover letter addressing how you meet the position qualifications
NWIC Application
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) form
Current and complete professional resume
Copies of college transcripts (official copy requested at time of hire)
Three letters of recommendation from persons, who not members of your immediate family, who have firsthand knowledge of your qualifications for the position
If applicable to the position, provide copies of certificates/licenses/credentials
The job announcement and application forms are available online at -
Employment - Northwest Indian College
Submit application to:
Northwest Indian College
Human Resources
2522 Kwina Road Building 26
Bellingham, WA 98226-9278
Telephone/Fax: (360) 392-4230
Email: employment@nwic.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr