*Postdoctoral position in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry of
tropical forests*
University of Texas at Austin
The Hawkes lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work on a
NSF-funded project in tropical soil microbial ecology. The goal of the
project is to understand belowground drivers of aboveground nutrient
cycling and productivity in highly productive tropical forests.
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD with the demonstrated ability
to carry out outstanding research in microbial ecology. The work will
include characterization of soil microbial communities and their
activities, with a focus on fungi. The successful candidate must have
experience in molecular approaches to microbial community
characterization (including 454 pyrosequencing and qPCR) and related
skills in bioinformatics and phylogenetics. The postdoc will also be
responsible for quantifying soil enzyme activity and fungal abundance,
for which training can be provided if necessary. Training will also be
available in biogeochemical approaches, depending on interest.The
postdocwill have the opportunityto develop new,complementary projects
and to participate in otherrelatedongoing and new projects.
Field work will take place at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica,
and the postdoc will be expected to lead field sampling trips to the
site with Dr. Ann Russell (Iowa State University). For more information
about the Hawkes and Russell labs, please visit:
http://www.biosci.utexas.edu/ib/faculty/hawkes/lab/Default.htm
http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/old/fac_staff/Russell.htm
Applicants should have a PhD in ecology, microbiology, chemistry, or a
related field and demonstrated experience in molecular microbial
ecology. The position requires an independent, organized, creative
individual who ispersonable and enthusiastic about working in a
collaborative group environment.The postdoc should be comfortable
training and mentoring undergraduates and graduate students in methods
related to the project.
Interested candidates should send a single pdf file containing the
following to Dr. Christine Hawkes ([email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>):
-cover letter indicating interest in the project
-curriculum vitae
-list of three references including names, email addresses, and
telephone numbers
-two representative publications
Applications will be reviewed beginning July 20, 2011 and will be
accepted until a suitable candidate is found. The position will be for
one year, renewable up to three years based on performance. The
University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special
disabled veteran's status, or sexual orientation.
