Dear Colleagues, A post-doctoral position is available in my lab at the University of Kansas to conduct work at the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory. Interested individuals may contact me with any questions about the job at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Thanks very much.
Sincerely, Sharon Billings Position Overview A full-time research position in ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry is available at the University of Kansas. We seek a dedicated individual to develop our understanding of how land use history, forest development, and climate can influence contemporary soil biogeochemical processes at the newly established Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory in South Carolina, USA. The successful candidate will: 1) Work at remote field sites in S.C. using established and emerging biogeochemical tools to investigate soil organic matter dynamics and their biological, geological, and chemical drivers throughout multiple, deep soil profiles; 2) Develop and implement well-controlled laboratory and modeling experiments to understand potential mechanisms driving biogeochemical fluxes currently observed in Calhoun's old growth and aggrading forests, and to estimate historical fluxes; and 3) Work interactively with a dynamic team of investigators at diverse career stages and representing multiple universities and research interests to build the field, lab, data and web infrastructure critical for Calhoun CZO long-term success, and serve as a liaison between the Calhoun CZO group at large and the Billings lab. NOTE: This position requires travel for weeks at a time to remote field sites, conducting strenuous field work under primitive conditions for multiple days in a row including digging soil pits/auger deep soil wells, and lifting and carrying instrumentation weighing up to 50 pounds. Job Description Contribute to the Billings lab and the Calhoun CZO by: 80% Collaboratively conduct field, laboratory, and modeling research activities to explore microcosm-, plot-, and ecosystem-scale biogeochemical fluxes at the Calhoun CZO and in the lab using Calhoun soils and proxies for microbial substrates; generate manuscripts publishable in top-quality, peer-reviewed journals and presentations for national and international conferences; and participate in proposal writing using data and ideas generated via these efforts 10% Supervise undergraduates and assist in the supervision of graduate students in the Billings lab 10% Contribute to database generation, website development in collaboration with project managers, lab group meetings, journal clubs, Departmental seminar attendance, and general lab upkeep Required Qualifications 1. Ph.D. at the time of hire in ecosystem ecology, biology, environmental chemistry, geology, soil science or related field. 2. At least two years' experience quantifying biogeochemical fluxes related to soils such as gross and net nitrogen mineralization, decay of well-characterized soil organic matter compounds, and/or CO2 efflux. 3. At least two years' experience in the application of stable isotopes for understanding soil and/or plant fluxes of carbon and/or nutrients. 4. Excellent written English communication skills as evidenced by previous publications and application materials. NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration. Preferred Qualifications 1. Experience collecting [CO2] and isotopic signatures of CO2 using cavity ring-down spectroscopy, in field and/or lab conditions. 2. Experience linking stable isotopic signatures of ecosystem carbon pools to measured flux rates. Duration of appointment: 3 years. Continuation is dependent on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Apply online at http://employment.ku.edu/staff/1304BR. Review of applications begins on September 14, 2014. Estimated start date is January 5, 2015. KU is an EO/AAE. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status. ********* Dr. Sharon Billings Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Chair, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Kansas Biological Survey University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 66047 785-864-1560, [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> www.billingslab.faculty.ku.edu<http://www.billingslab.faculty.ku.edu/> www.kuerg.ku.edu<http://www.kuerg.ku.edu/> www.kansasmetagenome.org<http://www.kansasmetagenome.org/> www.soil-journal.net<http://www.soil-journal.net/>
