Postdoc in soil microbial ecology at KBS LTER, Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, Michigan
Position: A postdoctoral position is available in the Evans Lab (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com) at Kellogg Biological Station (Michigan State University) to examine microbial community function in managed systems at the KBS Long Term Ecological Research (LTER). The site has a long history of ecological research, and the postdoc would work on ongoing projects within the theme of resilience to global change in managed systems. These include: eco-evolutionary microbial responses to changes in rainfall patterns, particularly microbial traits that influence N-cycling; the effect of microbial agricultural amendments on plant and soil drought resilience; and changes in rhizosphere microbial function and N- cycling in perennial bioenergy systems. Existing samples and data from the site describing soil function, microbial communities, N cycling, and plant dynamics can be leveraged to increase the impact of this research. Qualifications: A PhD in an appropriate discipline is required, as is demonstration of strong written and oral communication skills. Skillsets relevant to the position are the following: quantitative PCR, primer design, RNA extraction, stable isotope probing, culture isolation and assessment of plant growth- promotion, greenhouse experimentation, and metagenomic analysis (amplicon or shotgun). Start date and salary: The postdoctoral appointment is for one year, and renewable annually for at least 2 years, after which is contingent on funding. Start date range is October 2018-January 2019; please describe preferred start date and/or constraints in the cover letter. To apply: You will need a 1) cover letter (including research accomplishments, future research interests and directions, and relevant field, lab, and data analysis skills), 2) CV, 3) a representative publication (published or in press), and 4) contact information (name, position, phone, email) for three references. Apply online at careers.msu.edu, posting number 524665. MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, first-generation college students, and persons underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply. We will start reviewing applications September 13, and continue until the position is filled. Candidates wishing to apply after this date can email [email protected] to see whether the position is still open. The Evans Lab: (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com): is interested in topics ranging from microbial community biogeography and assembly to the role of microbes in global carbon cycling and plant growth. To investigate these questions, we use molecular techniques, physiological assays, modeling, and terrestrial climate manipulations. The lab is currently a vibrant and supportive community of graduate students and lab technicians/managers and undergraduates. The Evans Lab strives to create a diverse environment that supports individuals regardless of cultural background, race, orientation, or ethnicity. Kellogg Biological Station (www.kbs.msu.edu) is a premier biological research station located ~65 miles from the main campus of Michigan State. It is home to 11 faculty and their graduate students and post- doctoral researchers, with interests ranging from biogeochemistry to community ecology to evolution, as well as full-time research staff, visiting research scientists, and many summer undergraduates. The KBS LTER program (www.lter.kbs.msu.edu) aims to understand the ecology of Midwest cropping systems and agricultural landscapes, examining interactions among plants, microbes, insects, management, and the environment to understand fundamental ecological questions and how agriculture can provide both high yields and environmental outcomes that benefit society Postdoc development: KBS and the Evans Lab are committed to postdoctoral research career development. The postdoc will have professional development opportunities in the form mentoring, teaching, grant writing, public communication and others, while working on highly collaborative research projects.
