[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Researcher: Plant-soil microbe interactions, University of Kansas
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
[ECOLOG-L] Research Technician at the Kansas Biological Survey at University of Kansas
Position Overview: A full time lab/field research assistant position is available to support research in the ecology and evolution of plant-microbiome interactions at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS). The research assistant will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining projects associated with field experiments, greenhouse and/or growth chamber experiments investigating the role of AM fungal communities on plant species turnover and coexistence; the influence of pathogens on plant diversity; and microbiome mediated adaptations along a broad precipitation gradient. The projected start date for this position is October 15, 2017. Job Description: 55% - Monitoring and sampling field experiments; set up, maintain, harvest and analyze plant microbiome experiments in the greenhouse, growth chambers, and field settings; managing field crews necessary for fieldwork. 10% - Collecting seed, germinating, transplanting experimental plants into pots and in the field as well as sowing seeds directly into field experiments. 10% - Mixing and sterilizing native soil for culture and pot experiments. 15% - Starting, checking, maintaining arbuscular mycorrhizal, possibly including some maintenance of our arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal collection. 10% - Entering results into databases and maintaining data from experiments. Required Qualifications: 1. Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, agronomy, range science or related field. 2. At least 1 year of experience in field research as a field worker, field/lab technician, or investigator. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification through experience and/or education. 4. Prior experience using a microscope and other sensitive laboratory equipment through education or education. 5. Demonstrated knowledge through education or experience with sterile technique. 6. Experience in the use of word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office). 7. Good written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials. Position Requirements: Must have physical ability to work in greenhouse and in the field conditions (extreme environmental conditions of heat, cold, wind, etc.) and have the ability to life up to 25 pounds with or without accommodation. Preferred Qualifications: 1. Master’s degree or higher in biology, botany, ecology, agronomy, range science or related field. 2. Working knowledge of Midwestern and/or Great Plains flora. 3. Experience propagating plants from seed. 4. Experience in database management. Additional Candidate Instructions: A complete application consists of the online application, resume, and a cover letter outlining specifically how required and preferred qualifications are met. Application review begins September 18, 2017 and will continue until Oct 2. To ensure consideration, apply prior to the review date. Contact Information for Candidates: Peggy Schultz at pschu...@ku.edu Apply at jobs.ku.edu; search for job number 9942BR 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, genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non- discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, i...@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045. (785) 864-6414. 711TTY.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Technician at the Kansas Biological Survey at University of Kansas
Job Title: Research Technician Regular/Non-Exempt-Hourly FTE: 40 hours weekly Supervisor: James Bever Position Overview: A full time lab/field research assistant position is available to support research in the ecology and evolution of plant-microbiome interactions at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS). The research assistant will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining projects associated with field experiments, greenhouse and/or growth chamber experiments investigating the role of AM fungal communities on plant species turnover and coexistence; the influence of pathogens on plant diversity; and microbiome mediated adaptations along a broad precipitation gradient. The projected start date for this position is October 15, 2017. Job Description: 55% - Monitoring and sampling field experiments; set up, maintain, harvest and analyze plant microbiome experiments in the greenhouse, growth chambers, and field settings; managing field crews necessary for fieldwork. 10% - Collecting seed, germinating, transplanting experimental plants into pots and in the field as well as sowing seeds directly into field experiments. 10% - Mixing and sterilizing native soil for culture and pot experiments. 15% - Starting, checking, maintaining arbuscular mycorrhizal, possibly including some maintenance of our arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal collection. 10% - Entering results into databases and maintaining data from experiments. Required Qualifications: 1. Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, agronomy, range science or related field. 2. At least 1 year of experience in field research as a field worker, field/lab technician, or investigator. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification through experience and/or education. 4. Prior experience using a microscope and other sensitive laboratory equipment through education or education. 5. Demonstrated knowledge through education or experience with sterile technique. 6. Experience in the use of word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Office). 7. Good written communication skills as demonstrated by application materials. Position Requirements: Must have physical ability to work in greenhouse and in the field conditions (extreme environmental conditions of heat, cold, wind, etc.) and have the ability to life up to 25 pounds with or without accommodation. Preferred Qualifications: 1. Master’s degree or higher in biology, botany, ecology, agronomy, range science or related field. 2. Working knowledge of Midwestern and/or Great Plains flora. 3. Experience propagating plants from seed. 4. Experience in database management. Additional Candidate Instructions: A complete application consists of the online application, resume, and a cover letter outlining specifically how required and preferred qualifications are met. Application review begins September 18, 2017. To ensure consideration, apply prior to the review date. Contact Information for Candidates: Peggy Schultz at 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, genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non- discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, i...@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045. (785) 864-6414. 711TTY.
