[ECOLOG-L] PhD Position Available in Plant-Microbial Interactions
A PhD position is available in the lab of Dr. Edward Brzostek (http://biology.wvu.edu/faculty/faculty-pages/edward-brzostek) in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University starting in the summer/fall of 2018. This PhD opportunity will focus on developing predictive models of the extent to which plant-microbial interactions impact the production and sustainability of bioenergy crops. The PhD student will work in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team of scientists as part of the Sustainability Theme in the new U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI; https://cabbi.bio). Prospective applicants with backgrounds and interests in agricultural ecology, microbial ecology and biogeochemistry are encouraged to apply. As part of the CABBI award to WVU, there is competitive fellowship support for qualified applicants to this position. More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at https://biology.wvu.edu/students/graduate-students. The deadline for applications is January 1st, 2018. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Edward Brzostek (erbrzos...@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application to WVU.
[ECOLOG-L] AGU Session on Measuring and Modeling Plant-Microbial Interactions
Hi Everyone, I would like to promote one last time an exciting session at AGU focused on how interactions between plants and soil microbial communities drive current ecosystem function and also impact future ecosystem responses to global change, from both modeling and measurement perspectives. The session details are below. We look forward to receiving you contributed abstracts and seeing in you in San Francisco. Session ID: 13860 Session Title: B030. Closing the plant-soil loop: Measuring and modeling the impacts of plant-microbial interactions on coupled carbon-nutrient cycles Section/Focus Group: Biogeosciences Session Description: Plant acquisition of water and nutrients is mediated and enhanced by interactions with both free-living and symbiotic rhizosphere microbes. Likewise, soil organic matter decomposition and stabilization are heavily influenced by root exudation, litter properties, and rhizosphere processes. However, both measurements and models have traditionally considered these processes separately, with either a plant-centric or microbe-centric focus. Recent developments in measurements, experimental techniques, and ecological modeling are linking plants with soil microbes as integrated systems that drive ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Emerging research suggests that integrating empirical data and processes related to plant-microbe interactions into models could enhance our predictive understanding of ecosystem responses to global change, fundamentally affecting the predicted magnitude and dynamics of the future land carbon sink. We invite experimental, modeling, and theoretical contributions focused on the roles of symbiotic or competitive interactions between plants and soil microbes in biogeochemical cycling at both ecosystem and global scales. Conveners: Benjamin Sulman, Princeton University; Edward Brzostek, West Virginia University
[ECOLOG-L] AGU Session on Measuring and Modeling Plant-Microbial Interactions
Hi Everyone, I would like to promote an exciting session at AGU focused on how interactions between plants and soil microbial communities drive current ecosystem function and also impact future ecosystem responses to global change, from both modeling and measurement perspectives. The session details are below. We look forward to receiving you contributed abstracts and seeing in you in San Francisco. Session ID: 13860 Session Title: B030. Closing the plant-soil loop: Measuring and modeling the impacts of plant-microbial interactions on coupled carbon-nutrient cycles Section/Focus Group: Biogeosciences Session Description: Plant acquisition of water and nutrients is mediated and enhanced by interactions with both free-living and symbiotic rhizosphere microbes. Likewise, soil organic matter decomposition and stabilization are heavily influenced by root exudation, litter properties, and rhizosphere processes. However, both measurements and models have traditionally considered these processes separately, with either a plant-centric or microbe-centric focus. Recent developments in measurements, experimental techniques, and ecological modeling are linking plants with soil microbes as integrated systems that drive ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Emerging research suggests that integrating empirical data and processes related to plant-microbe interactions into models could enhance our predictive understanding of ecosystem responses to global change, fundamentally affecting the predicted magnitude and dynamics of the future land carbon sink. We invite experimental, modeling, and theoretical contributions focused on the roles of symbiotic or competitive interactions between plants and soil microbes in biogeochemical cycling at both ecosystem and global scales. Conveners: Benjamin Sulman, Princeton University; Edward Brzostek, West Virginia University
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Positions Available in Forest Biogeochemistry
Graduate student positions are available in the lab of Dr. Edward Brzostek (http://biology.wvu.edu/faculty/faculty-pages/edward-brzostek) in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University starting in the fall of 2016. Broadly, our lab studies how interactions between plants and soil microbes influence carbon and nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, and how these interactions will impact ecosystem responses to global change. To do this, we couple empirical measurements with process and ecosystem model development to scale up mechanisms that operate at the level of individual roots and their associated mycorrhizae to larger scales. Incoming students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of collaboration and shared intellectual development. The Department of Biology at WVU has a core of faculty members that study a variety of topics in forest ecology and also is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest (http://www.as.wvu.edu/fernow/). Financial support is available via research and teaching fellowships and there are additional opportunities for research and travel funds. More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at http://biology.wvu.edu/graduate. The deadline for applications is January 1st, 2016 (although late applications will be accepted if slots are still available). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Edward Brzostek (erbrzos...@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application to WVU.
[ECOLOG-L] Full time research technician position in forest biogeochemistry
Research Technician (BIO 15-0005) The West Virginia University Research Corporation (WVURC) seeks to hire a Research Technician to assist with the start-up of Dr. Edward Brzostek’s forest ecology and modeling lab in the Biology Department at West Virginia University. Research in the lab seeks to couple measurements with models to understand and predict how interaction between plants and soil microbes impact ecosystem responses to global change. This position is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the lab, including assisting in purchasing and setting up new equipment and instruments, overseeing undergraduate researchers in the lab, and processing soil and plant tissue for chemical analysis. This position will also require work outside of the lab in nearby experimental forests to set up new research plots and collect soil and plant samples. A bachelor’s degree in biology, or a related science field, and at least 2 years’ related experience are required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Experience performing ecological research in a field setting is preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package offered. For a complete job description and to apply for this position, please visit http://hr.research.wvu.edu and click on the “WVURC Employment Opportunities” link. Inquiries to this position can be addressed to Edward Brzostek erbrzos...@mail.wvu.edu. AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability/E-verify compliant employer
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Positions Available in Forest Biogeochemistry (West Virginia University)
Graduate student positions are available in the lab of Dr. Edward Brzostek (http://biology.wvu.edu/faculty/faculty-pages/edward-brzostek) in the Department of Biology at West Virginia University starting in the fall of 2015. Broadly, our lab studies how interactions between plants and soil microbes influence carbon and nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, and how these interactions will impact ecosystem responses to global change. To do this, we couple empirical measurements with process and ecosystem model development to scale up mechanisms that operate at the level of individual roots and their associated mycorrhizae to larger scales. Incoming students are encouraged to develop their own research projects in these areas. Importantly, we strive to promote a fun, enthusiastic lab environment that encourages an atmosphere of collaboration and shared intellectual development. The Department of Biology at WVU has a core of faculty members that study a variety of topics in forest ecology and also is in close proximity to world-class research sites including the WVU Research Forest and the Fernow Experimental Forest (http://www.as.wvu.edu/fernow/). Financial support is available via research and teaching fellowships and there are additional opportunities for research and travel funds. More detailed information about the WVU Biology graduate student program is available at http://biology.wvu.edu/graduate. The deadline for applications is January 1st, 2015 (although late applications will be accepted if slots are still available). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Edward Brzostek (erbrzos...@mail.wvu.edu) prior to submitting an application to WVU.
