> Begin forwarded message: >> Postdoctoral position – Department of Biology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR, USA (under the supervision of Peter Kennedy)
Duration: 2-year Starting date: September 2011 Project description: I am seeking an experienced microbial ecologist to investigate tri-partite interactions among ectomycorrhizal fungi, Frankia bacteria, and their Alnus host plants as part of the recently awarded NSF project entitled “Ectomycorrhizal functioning and specificity in a global tri-partite symbiosis”. Project details: This project focuses on the role that Frankia bacteria play in influencing the composition and functioning of Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal assemblages. The research will involve comparative analyses of extracellular enzyme production of Alnus- and non-Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi. As part of that work, ectomycorrhizal fungi will identified using standard sequence-based techniques. The project will also involve manipulative experiments to assess the independent and interactive effects of both groups of microbial symbionts as well as culture experiments of Alnus- and non-Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi in which nitrogen conditions are manipulated. Postdoctoral research activities: The postdoctoral researcher will obtain a comprehensive academic and teaching experience, including: 1) the day-to-day research needed for this study as well as assisting P. Kennedy in the management of all research activities by technicians, undergraduate and high school students involved in this project; 2) collecting trips to local field sites; 3) responsibility for main papers on the extracellular enzyme comparisons and the culture experiment and co-authorship for other articles resulting from this project; 4) the presentation of results at national and international scientific meetings; 5) attendance of weekly lab meetings; and 6) the opportunity to guest lecture in biology courses and laboratories offered at Lewis and Clark College. Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in microbial ecology, with extensive research experience in fungal (preferably ectomycorrhizal) ecology using traditional and molecular techniques. Excellent written and oral communication skills are also essential in order to communicate effectively with colleagues, the public, other researchers, and successfully prepare results of research for publication. To be considered for this position, please send the following documents and information to Peter Kennedy ([email protected]) prior to February 15, 2011: 1) detailed curriculum vitae, and 2) name, address and e-mail contact information of two referees from which letters of support can be obtained. >> >> Contact info: >> Dr. Peter Kennedy >> Assistant Professor >> Department of Biology >> Lewis and Clark College >> 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd. >> Portland, OR 97219 >> Phone: 503-768-7509 >> Fax: 503-768-7658 >> > >> >
