Postdoctoral fellow in wetland biogeochemistry and microbial ecology at Virginia Commonwealth University
A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. PIs Neubauer (wetland biogeochemistry), Franklin (microbial ecology), and Brown (molecular biology) are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to work on a NSF-funded project aimed at understanding the role of microbial community structure on ecosystem function and responses to environmental change. The project will include complementary observational and manipulative experiments to look at wetland responses to saltwater intrusion, at microbial/molecular scales up to the ecosystem level. The postdoc will direct a field salinity manipulation experiment and oversee biogeochemical analyses associated with the project. There is flexibility for the postdoc to also initiate other projects that are related to the broad goals of the NSF grant. Depending on the postdocs interests, there will be opportunities to learn molecular methods (e.g., metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, qPCR). The postdoc will be expected to collect and analyze field and laboratory data, prepare manuscripts for publication, and share research findings at scientific conferences. Expertise in some or all of the following areas is desired: Wetland ecology, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, and/or microbial ecology. Strong candidates will possess the following attributes: - A strong publication record (papers published, in press, and/or submitted). - Demonstrated experience and skills with both field and lab work. - Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things. - Excellent written and oral communication skills. All candidates must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field. The position is available for up to 3 years, with the first year serving as a probationary period. The position includes a competitive salary and full benefits including health insurance. Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but we would like someone to be in the position by the end of summer 2014 or early in the fall. Applications should include a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals (under two pages), and the names and contact information for three references. All materials should be submitted as a single combined PDF file to Dr. Scott Neubauer ([email protected]) for consideration. Please contact Dr. Neubauer with questions about the position, the project, or the application process. If you are interested in the position and will be at the Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Portland, Oregon (May 18-23), feel free to look up Dr. Neubauer, who will be attending the meeting.
