A full time assistant researcher position is available to explore soil microbial ecology with the Sikes Lab at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS). The researcher will be responsible for preparing and conducting analyses of root/soil biology including next-generation sequencing of microbial communities, fungal culturing, measuring decomposition, and basic analyses of soil abiotic properties. The researcher will also assist and train students in techniques and equipment use. Outside the lab, the researcher will assist as needed with field and greenhouse work for projects on fire, prairie restoration, and novel mutualisms. She/he would be based at the Kansas Biological Survey on KU’s campus.
The broad research goal of the lab is to better understand the community ecology of soil microbes, particularly fungi, and integrate them into broader ecological theory and ecosystem management. We use a combination of field, greenhouse, and lab based experiments to assess the forces that structure soil microbial communities and their importance in ecosystems. We utilize basic techniques including culturing, microscopy and plant growth responses combined with next-generation sequencing of communities and metagenomics. Example projects are here: (http://bensikes.wix.com/sikesmicrolab ) and here (http://www.kansasmetagenome.org ). We seek individuals who are passionate about understanding microbial ecology and using that knowledge to better understand and improve our environment. Required qualifications include a) a Bachelor's degree in ecology, microbiology, environmental biology or a related field, b) knowledge and experience in plant or fungal ecology, and DNA based techniques obtained through experience or education, c) experience in the use of word processing and spreadsheet software, d) good written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials and fluid spoken and written English language skills. Preference will be given to applicants with a) at least 1 year of experience in biological research or holding a Master’s degree in one of the fields above, b) working knowledge of prairies and/or pyrogenic ecosystems, c) experience with next-generation sequencing and/or metagenomic techniques, d) experience in database management, and e) experience with statistics and the use of statistical software. The University of Kansas (KU) is a major research university with special strength in ecology and evolutionary biology. The EEB department has >40 tenured and tenure-track faculty working in a wide variety of areas, with National Research Council and Chronicle of Higher Education rankings in the top 10 in the USA. KU is located in the town of Lawrence, Kansas, about 40 miles from Kansas City. Lawrence is a progressive and cosmopolitan university town of about 100,000 people, with vibrant art, music, and sports scenes. Lawrence was ranked among the top ten college towns in the country in 2012 by livability.com, beating, for instance, Ann Arbor, MI, and Austin, TX. For questions contact Ben Sikes at ben.si...@ku.edu. To apply see https://employment.ku.edu/staff/5950BR Deadline for application is May 14, 2016. KU is an EO/AAE.　 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected Veteran status.
