Two Postdoctoral Research Positions in Plant-Soil-Microbial Interactions Two 2-year postdoctoral research positions are available in the Weber (https://sites.google.com/site/microbialbiogeochemistry) and Russo (http://russolab.unl.edu/) laboratories at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. These positions will integrate with the Center for Root and Rhizobiome Interactions (https://crri.unl.edu/) on a multi-PI NSF-funded project investigating interactions of maize and other grasses with the root-associated microbiome.
The project aims to link variation in the composition and function of the rhizobiome to plant root exudate production and plant traits using stable isotope probing and next-generation –omics approaches, including amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The postdocs will work collaboratively with each other, as well as other members of the Weber and Russo laboratories and the CRRI team on field, greenhouse, and lab-based research. The postdoctoral fellows will also have the opportunity to develop independent projects, and the positions offer competitive salary, benefits, and training opportunities. We are looking for creative, independent scientists with a demonstrated track record of scientific publication. Weber Lab Position: The position in the Weber lab focuses on direct identification of microbial taxa and microbial metabolic pathways utilizing plant-root exudates through culture-independent techniques. Opportunities to utilize similar techniques in other systems are available, as are the application of culture-dependent approaches through a DOE funded project. Qualified candidates will have a Ph.D. in the following or related areas: microbial ecology and biology, molecular biology, biogeochemistry integrating –omics approaches, and/or computational biology. Russo Lab Position: The position in the Russo lab emphasizes the plant-related aspects of the project, including investigating the consequences of different plant carbon-allocation strategies and how plant-soil feedbacks affect plant phenotype and performance. Members of the Russo lab work broadly in plant ecology, linking ecophysiology and plant biotic interactions with demography and patterns of diversity and distributions. Qualified candidates will have a PhD with expertise in analysis of –omics data, molecular biology, ecology, and/or plant biology and physiology. The Weber and Russo laboratories are housed in the School of Biological Sciences (https://biosci.unl.edu/) at the University of Nebraska. UNL has excellent research facilities and an interactive community of microbiologists, plant biologists, and genomics researchers. Lincoln, NE, is a vibrant and safe city of over 300,000 people that is consistently rated highly in national surveys in terms of quality of life and career development. Interested candidates should apply for one of the positions by sending a single PDF document with a cover letter detailing research interests and experience and a CV listing the names and contact information of three references to either Dr. Karrie A. Weber (kwe...@unl.edu) or Dr. Sabrina E. Russo (srus...@unl.edu), as appropriate, with the subject line “Rhizobiome Postdoctoral Position”. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until suitable candidates are identified. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination
