NEON Postdoctoral Associate: Microbial Ecologist The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON, Inc.), a nonprofit science corporation dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral associate in Boulder, Colorado. We are looking for an individual who is a problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges. This job requires a sharp, creative, self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field and use novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale research.
Responsibilities Coordinate and oversee prototype study for soil microbial diversity and community structure at candidate NEON sites, including methods for field sampling and outsourcing of lab analyses. Coordinate outsourced lab selection and oversee contracts Work with collaborating laboratories on processing and synthesizing data from quantitative PCR and 16S and 18S rRNA analyses Work with collaborators to develop standardized protocols for lab analyses and bioinformatics for 16S and 18S rRNA and functional gene sequence data, and participate in development of protocoles for metagenomic analyses. Using results from the prototype, help re- design the NEON soil microbial sampling protocols and design for data analysis. Work with collaborating laboratories to facilitate publication of results from the prototype study, and collaborate the NEON microbiology working group to prepare reports and develop recommendations for future soil sampling and microbial analyses This position will be funded for one year initially with the possibility of transition to a permanent staff scientist on the NEON science team as deemed appropriate based on the success of the tasks performed during the first year. Duties in a long-term position as a staff scientist would include: Develop and oversee high level and site-specific sampling designs to track abundance, diversity, and function of microbes in soil and water at NEON sampling locations Develop QA/QC protocols for field sampling and data processing Oversee outsourced facility selection, manage facility contracts, and oversee changes to the NEON design with the evolution of analyses used on NEON samples Develop data products using NEON data Participate in the larger NEON science community, including participating in independent research and collaborations Education/Experience PhD in microbiology, genetics, evolution, or related field Significant, documented research experience using molecular ecological methods and appropriate computational/bioinformatics methods , specifically using soil or aquatic ecosystems Familiarity with bioinformatics for metagenomic analyses Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise Scientific writing and review Ability to work independently, but as part of an active science team Strong communication and interpersonal skills Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual research projects The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. Candidate must be able to travel to field sites as needed. TO APPLY: Please send your cover letter and CV/resume to [email protected] with <Microbial Ecologist> in the subject line. NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
