The University of Arizona labs of Drs. Virginia Rich and Rachel Gallery are seeking a joint PhD student to lead microbial investigations within the Jemez River Basin - Santa Catalina Mountains Critical Zone Observatory (JRB-SCM CZO, http://criticalzone.org/jemez-catalina/). We seek applicants who have a keen interest in bridging microbiology and biogeochemistry in the context of soil processes, including decomposition, weathering, carbon stabilization, and carbon flow. One focus of our CZO is on "hot spots and hot moments", where system change occurs very rapidly, for example after major fire events (which our CZO just experienced). This interdisciplinary research will be performed in collaboration between our labs and the geochemistry lab of Dr. Jon Chorover, and in close collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher housed there.
This position brings a lot of opportunities: immersion in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary molecular microbiology (spanning both physiological and meta-omic approaches); involvement in large CZO research group on campus with regular weekly project meetings and ample opportunity for student dialogue; attendance at scientific meetings; full or partial leadership of manuscript writing; co- mentoring undergraduate students; as well as extensive career mentorship for the graduate student themself, with an emphasis on clear communication of their science. The researcher will also have the opportunity and framework for engaging with large and vibrant community of biologists at the University of Arizona. Our labs are housed in (i) the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences (Rich) and (ii) the School of Natural Resources and the Environment (Gallery), and have joint affiliations with the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department and the Institute for the Environment, and involvement in UA's iPlant/iMicrobe initiative, affording us regular interactions with diverse scientists across campus. Quality of life in Tucson is high. The weather is excellent most of the year, and Tucson is a bike- friendly city, meaning that many university employees and students bike to campus. Tucson is a progressive city home to about half-a-million residents, and to a notably strong music and arts culture. The cost of living is quite low, and nice homes are affordable for rent or purchase. The biodiverse Sonoran Desert surrounds Tucson, with numerous endemic species thanks to its relatively wet and uniquely bimodal annual rainfall (a summer "monsoon" season as well as the winter rainy season). Four mountain ranges ring the city within a 45-minute drive, are part of the Sky Island system, and include >9,000-foot peaks. These peaks are home to world-class telescopes and observatories as well. There are numerous great hiking opportunities within a short drive. To apply, please email the following items to BOTH [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject "CZO PhD applicant": - Cover Letter. Introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for this specific role. - Curriculum Vitae, covering the following areas: . Educational qualifications and professional affiliations (full title, year awarded, title of the institution); . Employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying dates of employment, title of each position, name of employer, main duties or accountabilities and achievements; and . The names and contact details (address, telephone, fax and e-mail) of three referees, including if possible a senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organizational unit) closely associated with your current work.
