*Research Associate I Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory Colorado State University*
The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University seeks candidates for a research technician position for research on plant beneficial micro-organisms. The goals of this project are to screen natural soil microbial communities for plant-beneficial properties, to isolate beneficial microbial consortia, and to test the effects of these consortia on plant performance. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing and conducting laboratory assays, high-throughput culturing techniques, as well as greenhouse and field based plant growth experiments. The technician will be expected to manage and conduct multiple experiments simultaneously, keep careful records, and exercise rigorous laboratory quality and safety practices. Duties: -Assists in high-throughput microbial microcosm experiments to evaluate microbial traits. -Apply molecular techniques to characterize, and monitor microbial communities. -Collect and prepare soil samples for microbiological and chemical analysis. -Assist in planning, coordinating, and conducting greenhouse studies focused on rhizosphere microbial ecology and subsequent soil and plant properties. -Data collection, data management, graphing and statistical analysis. -Personal and professional commitment to diversity as demonstrated by involvement in teaching, research, creative activity, service to the profession and/or diversity/inclusion activities. *Required Qualifications:* Candidate must have a minimum of Bachelor’s degree and demonstrate experience and expertise in soil or environmental microbiology. Candidates must have experience in laboratory practices and data management, including the development and documentation of new laboratory protocols, and experience in culturing, quantifying and identifying bacteria or fungi *Desired Qualifications:* -Experience in managing laboratory research projects -Expertise in culturing, quantifying and identifying bacteria or fungi -Ability to program and utilize liquid handling robots -Knowledge of soil biogeochemistry -Experience in designing and running plant growth experiments -Experience in soil or water DNA extractions -Experience in next-generation sequencing sample preparation -Expertise univariate and/or multivariate statistical methods To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three references to: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-opportunities.html. References will not be contacted without prior approval. For full consideration, apply by Sunday, May 25, 2014. The annual salary is $26,500. A full description of benefits is available at http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.
