Ph.D. Position in Soil Microbial Ecology beginning Fall 2011 Serita Frey, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH USA
Our lab is focused on understanding the linkages between microbial community structure and ecosystem function. We examine how environmental change (climate warming, nitrogen deposition, biodiversity loss, invasive species) alters the biodiversity, community composition, and function of the soil microbial community and how shifts in the community feedback to influence ecosystem-scale nutrient cycling processes. Currently, we are focused on understanding how chronic soil warming and nitrogen deposition influence the diversity, evolution, and function of decomposer fungi. Our work is done primarily within the context of several global change experiments at the Harvard Forest Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in Petersham, MA USA. The student will have flexibility to explore questions that fall within the broad framework outlined above. The student is expected to have strong interests in ecology, soils, microbiology, and biogeochemistry. Applicants should be able to work independently, but also cooperatively with other members of the lab. Interest in and experience with high- throughput sequencing methodologies is desirable. An MS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, microbiology, or related field is preferred, though applicants without an MS degree, but with relevant research experience, will be considered. The position stipend will be $24,000 to start with health insurance and a full tuition waiver. To apply please send the following items in a single PDF file to Serita Frey ([email protected]): letter of interests/experience, CV, unofficial transcripts, and the names and contact information for three professional references.
