A postdoctoral position is available in microbial ecology and soil biogeochemistry at Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University. The Evans Lab (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com) is interested in how microbes respond to climate change and how these responses influence ecosystem processes. To investigate these questions, we use molecular techniques, physiological assays, modeling, and terrestrial climate manipulations.
The postdoctoral candidate will have the opportunity to conduct work at the KBS Long Term Ecological Research Site (kbs.lter.edu) or Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (glbrc.msu.edu), where long-term data on natural and agro-ecosystems and inter-disciplinary research teams provide an excellent context for scientific questions in the time period of a postdoctoral position. Research questions could focus on, but are not limited to, interactions among changes in rainfall patterns, nitrogen dynamics, and microbial community function. Responsibilities include: data collection in existing climate manipulation or crop management experiments, microbial community or physiological analysis, participation in lab and KBS community, data management, and manuscript preparation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with the many researchers working on KBS long-term projects, distinguished faculty at KBS, as well as faculty on campus in Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Integrative Biology. The candidate will also have the ease and efficiency that comes with having access to much available data and state-of-the-art field sites outside their door. KBS and the Evans Lab prioritize postdoctoral research career development, and it is a fun place to spend two years. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in microbial ecology, including experience with metagenomic/metatranscriptomic protocols and data and statistical analyses. However, other specific and well-refined skillsets that can be applied to these types of questions will be equally considered. Demonstration of strong written and oral communication skills is a must, and a PhD and research experience in appropriate disciplines is required. The postdoctoral appointment will be for 2 years. Start date is May 2015, but requests for other start dates near this time will be considered (indicate in cover letter). To apply, please send a cover letter (including research interests and an indication of field, lab, and data analysis skills), CV, and contact information (name, position, phone, email) for 3 references. We will begin reviewing applications in mid-February, 2015. Email [email protected]
