Postdoctoral Researcher positions in the study of the ecology and evolution of plant-microbiome interactions are available in the lab of Jim Bever at the University of Kansas. Individual projects focus on (1) the role of AM fungal community dynamics on plant species turnover and coexistence, (2) the role of pathogens in patterns of plant diversity and its benefits (3) microbiome mediation of plant adaptation along a precipitation gradient. 1. AM fungal dynamics. We have found that late successional plant species are more responsive to mycorrhizal fungi (Koziol and Bever 2015), are more sensitive to particular species of mycorrhizal fungi (Koziol and Bever 2016), and generally have less negative soil community feedbacks (Bauer et al. 2015), all of which are consistent with AM fungal community dynamics playing an important role in plant dynamics during succession. 2. Plant pathogens. Accumulating evidence identifies pathogen dynamics as critical to generating negative plant-soil feedbacks, leading to plant species coexistence (Bever et al 2015). We will be testing the extent to which pathogen dynamics drive patterns and benefits of plant diversity. 3. Microbiome influence on plant adaptation. Kansas has a dramatic precipitation gradient. We have found that the AM fungal community in undisturbed grasslands are markedly differentiated along the gradient, but this differentiation is lost with disturbance. We will be testing the extent to which mycorrhizal fungi and other components of the plant microbiome mediate adaptation and resource dynamics along the gradient.
Jim Bever and Peggy Schultz share a lab that is generally interested in the ecology and evolution of plant microbe interactions. Much of our work focusses on the feedbacks on plant fitness through changes in microbial composition and the influence of this feedback on plant species coexistence, invasion, succession and community structure. We are also interested in the application of microbial dynamics to restoration of native plant species and overyielding in polyculture. The lab has research emphases on the evolution of species interactions, including the stability of mutualism, the evolution of virulence, and life history trade-offs. We integrate greenhouse and field experiments, environmental sequencing, and theory development. We are located in the Lawrence, Kansas in the Kansas Biological Survey (https://biosurvey.ku.edu/) and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (https://eeb.ku.edu/). The start date for these positions is flexible. Job Description: 60% Research - Design and execution of experiments These duties include carrying out original research relative to the laboratory mission. Perform experiments on an individual basis that pertain to current research topics in the department. 20% Reporting - Write reports and papers Writes technical reports and scientific papers for peer reviewed journals. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the preparation of grants/contracts and proposals for federal, state and charitable organizations and industrial clients. 15% Collaboration - Assist other laboratory members with experiments Assist the principal investigator to provide experimental and technical supervision of one or more technician, graduate student and/or post-doctoral researchers and/or fellows. 5% Laboratory protocol - Routine lab management Ensuring systems are in place for efficient planning of lab supplies, records and document management as well as experimental protocols and data, and coordination of good lab practices and lab safety. Required Qualifications: 1. Doctoral degree in Environmental Science, Ecology or closely related field. 2. Demonstrated experience with research in the field of Applied Ecology. 3. Record of scientific publications in the field of Ecology and Environmental Biology. NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed six months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration. Candidate Instruction: A complete applications includes the online application along with (1) a CV, (2) copies of unofficial transcripts and (3) a cover letter describing experience, potential research interests, and general career goals and 4) contact information for 3 professional references. Salary: Begins at 47,476.00; salary commensurate with experience and education Application review begins Nov 1, 2017. To ensure consideration, apply prior to the review date. Start date: negotiable Apply to: https://employment.ku.edu/staff/10096BR If you have questions please contact pschu...@ku.edu The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, i...@ku.edu, 1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY 9for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).
