Job Announcement Two Post-doctoral Associate Positions We are seeking two Post-doctoral Associates to participate in NSF-funded research on the interactions between plants and microbes that regulate carbon cycling at aerobic-anaerobic interfaces. In particular we are studying resource competition between methanogens, iron-reducers and sulfate reducers in the rhizosphere of wetland plants. A central part of the project will be assessing the activity and population dynamics of Fe-oxidizing bacteria, Fe-reducing bacteria, and methanogens in response to a series of field manipulations. The target date to receive applications is April 1st 2006 and we plan to fill the position before September 2006.
I. Biogeochemistry/Microbial Physiology/Microbial Ecology This position is based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). The Associate should have expertise in biogeochemistry, microbial ecology or microbial physiology. The Associate will be primarily responsible for directing the field study and making rate measurements, but will have abundant flexibility to interact with team members focused on applying molecular techniques and solid-state microelectrodes to this question. SERC (www.serc.si.edu) is located in a rural setting within commuting distance of Washington, DC and Annapolis, MD. Apply to: Dr. Patrick Megonigal [EMAIL PROTECTED] II. Geomicrobiology/Environmental Microbiology This position is based at the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). The Associate will assess the population dynamics of Fe-oxidizing bacteria, Fe-reducing bacteria, and methanogens using real-time PCR assays and TRF profiles, based both on 16S and functional genes. Cultivation methods will also be used. There will also be opportunities to conduct more detailed studies on the role of biogenic versus abiogenically formed Fe-oxides as a controlling variable in the coupling of Fe oxidation to Fe reduction and methanogenesis. This latter project will involve collaboration with researchers using state-of-the-art techniques for micro- and nanoscale mineralogical analysis. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in microbiology, experience with molecular techniques, and a willingness to learn how these techniques can be coupled with geochemical techniques to investigate outstanding questions in biogeochemistry. Apply to: Dr. David Emerson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
