Two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are available in the Microbial Ecology Laboratory in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University
MICROBIAL ECOLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION The successful applicant will be joining a new climate and environmental change research project that explores the role of microbial communities in organic nitrogen cycling. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a molecular biology-related field with a strong record of productivity. Experience with molecular techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, and primer development) and basic bioinformatics skills (processing and analyzing sequence data and familiarity with UNIX) are strongly desirable. Work will require travel to the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Climatic and Environmental Change (SPRUCE) experiment in the Marcell Experimental Forest (Minnesota). The applicant will work with project collaborators at the Iowa State University, University of New Hampshire, and Argonne and Oak Ridge National Labs. To apply, please provide a CV, references, and a cover letter including a brief statement of short- and long-term goals. JOB DETAILS This is a 3-year commitment, available immediately. Possibility of extension of the position beyond depends on funding. The ideal applicant will have expertise in both microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. Once hired, the postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for contributing to primer development for protease and chitinase microbial community profiling (illumine tag sequencing) and interpreting resulting sequence data. This research will investigate the consequences for ecosystem carbon cycling of microbial decomposition of organic nitrogen and its subsequent uptake by mycorrhizal fungi. General lab management and participation in the mentorship of both graduate students and undergraduate lab assistants are also expected. The position will entail planning, execution and supervision of field and laboratory work, analysis of biological, chemical, and spatial data, literature research, supervision and training of lab personnel, and managing lab and field equipment and supplies. A valid driver's license or access to transportation will be required to get to field sites. BIOGEOCHEMIST JOB DESCRIPTION The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of scientists to understand the role of organic nitrogen in regulating forest ecosystem responses to elevated CO2 and temperature. Research experience with stable isotope ecology and organic chemistry is strongly desirable. The successful applicant will be joining a new climate and environmental change research project that explores the role of microbial communities in organic nitrogen cycling. Applicants must have a Ph.D. and a strong record of productivity. Work will require travel to the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Climatic and Environmental Change (SPRUCE) experiment in the Marcell Experimental Forest (Minnesota). The applicant will work with project collaborators at Iowa State University, University of New Hampshire, and Argonne and Oak Ridge National Labs. To apply, please provide a CV, references, and a cover letter including a brief statement of short- and long- term goals. JOB DETAILS This is position is available immediately. Possibility of extension of the position beyond one year depends on funding. The ideal applicant will have expertise in biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. Once hired, the postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for contributing to the development of new stable isotope methods and extracellular enzyme assays. This research will investigate the consequences of microbial decomposition of organic nitrogen for ecosystem carbon cycling. General lab management and participation in the mentorship of both graduate students and undergraduate lab assistants are also expected. The position will entail planning, execution and supervision of field and laboratory work, analysis of biological, chemical, and spatial data, literature research, supervision and training of lab personnel, and managing lab and field equipment and supplies. A valid driver's license or access to transportation will be required to get to field sites. To apply, please provide a CV, references, and a cover letter including a brief statement of short- and long-term goals. For more information or to apply for the position, please contact Kirsten Hofmockel [email protected], http://kirstenhofmockel.org
