INDIANA UNIVERSITY - Bloomington, IN
Microbial Ecologist/Soil Biogeochemist – Research Associate
We are seeking to hire a full-time research associate for one year (with
the possibility for an extension) to work on two independently-funded
research projects. The first project involves the biogeographic
characterization of the microbial associates of switchgrass, with a
focus on fungi and bacteria involved in nitrogen and phosphorus
acquisition. The second project involves characterization of
root-induced changes in microbial activity and nutrient transformation
rates in forests exposed to elevated CO2 and N fertilization. The
research associate will be housed in the Plant-Microbial Interactions
group in the Biology Department at IU, and work under the supervision of
Drs. Heather Reynolds, Jim Bever, Keith Clay (switchgrass project) and
Richard Phillips (elevated CO2 project).
The research associate will be expected to perform routine field
sampling and prepare and analyze soil and plant tissue samples in the
laboratory. Responsibilities for the switchgrass project will include
extraction, PCR, cloning and sequencing of DNA from soil and plant
tissue, and some isolation and culturing of microbes. Responsibilities
for the elevated CO2 project will include extraction of carbon and
nutrients from soil and plant tissue, and characterization of the
biogeochemical properties of soils using process-based techniques and
enzyme assays. For both projects, the successful applicant will be
expected to analyze and manage datasets, and train and supervise
undergraduate and graduate research assistants.
Qualifications: An M.S. in ecology, biogeochemistry and soils (or
related fields) is strongly preferred. Demonstrated expertise in
molecular biology (including DNA extraction, PCR, cloning, and
sequencing) and biogeochemical analyses is required. Successful
applicants will demonstrate superb data analysis and organizational
skills, and the ability to work independently and to train undergraduate
and graduate research assistants.
Salary: Commensurate with experience. Full benefits included.
Please send cover letter, CV, and the names of 3 references (with phone
numbers and email addresses) to Heather Reynolds <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
and Richard Phillips <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. Please send all materials by
August 22, 2008.
***Please include “Microbial Ecology/Biogeochemistry Research Associate”
in the title of your email.***
For specific questions or more information, please contact Dr. Reynolds
or Dr. Phillips.
Indiana University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
