A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as part of the Sustainability Theme in the new U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The goal of the CABBI Sustainability Theme is to develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels. The postdoc is sought to support research on plant-soil-microbe interactions in bioenergy cropping systems (sorghum, energycane, and Miscanthus) with regards to nitrogen biogeochemistry, including mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, etc. Job duties include designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, developing and testing innovative stable isotope methodologies for measuring in situ nitrogen cycling process rates, coordinating research activities with a large team of collaborators, supervising technicians and undergraduates, and writing manuscripts. The postdoc will work with Dr. Wendy Yang in her Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab and will collaborate with other ecosystem ecologists, microbial ecologists, ecosystem modelers, ecophysiologists, ecohydrologists, and others in the CABBI Sustainability Theme. Collaboration with researchers in the CABBI Feedstocks and Conversion themes and the other BRCs is encouraged. The postdoc will be housed in the Institute for Genomic Biology with the other UIUC-based CABBI researchers to facilitate these collaborative interactions and help build a strong community of postdocs and graduate students. Required Qualifications: · A Ph.D. or the equivalent in ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field · Experience with laboratory and field work · Strong English writing and oral communication skills
· Strong organizational skills · Ability to work in a collaborative environment · Ability to travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa, and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns · A valid driver’s license Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes: A strong publication record from their Ph.D. (papers published, in press, or submitted) Experience with natural abundance or tracer stable isotope techniques Experience with method development or tinkering with major instrumentation (e.g., isotope ratio mass spectrometer, quantum cascade laser) Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things. The position is available for four years; however, annual renewal is dependent on funding and progress made by the individual. This position includes a competitive salary and full benefits. Application review will begin Dec. 1, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but ideally in January 2018. Applications should include a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. Please put “CABBI postdoc application” in the subject line of your email to Ank Michielson, the CABBI Program Manager, michi...@illinois.edu. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Wendy Yang at ya...@illinois.edu. Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu) The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
