[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position: Soil Microbiology/Bioinformatics in Florida

[Strauss,Sarah L]

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Location: University of Florida/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education 
Center, Immokalee, FL
Position description:
A postdoctoral position is available with the Soil Microbiology Lab at the 
University of Florida/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center 
(SWFREC) in Immokalee, FL, to examine the impact of cover crops and row-middle 
management in citrus. The SWFREC is located in the in the heart of citrus and 
vegetable production in Florida and provides a unique opportunity to combine 
scientific research with the needs of the industry.
The primary field project consists of field trials evaluating cover crop mixes 
and mowing on the soil microbiome, tree health, and citrus production. The 
project will focus on correlation of microbial community composition, soil 
chemistry, root growth, and plant growth data, and determining if treatments 
have specific impacts on the soil microbiome. Expertise in environmental 
microbial ecology, molecular methods, including high-throughput amplicon 
sequencing and qPCR, and bioinformatics is required. Experience in shotgun 
metagenomics is preferred.
The incumbent will develop hypotheses based on current literature, design and 
conduct experiments, perform work in the laboratory and field, analyze data, 
and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The 
postdoctoral associate will work independently with minimal supervision. This 
is a 2.5-year position.
 Responsibilities:
• Experimental design
• Field sample collection and processing
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Review of relevant literature
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
 Minimum qualifications:
• PhD in bioinformatics, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or 
biogeochemistry
• Expertise in bioinformatics for environmental microbiology
• Experience with unix/command line
• Evidence of effective scientific writing and publication in English
 Preferred qualifications: Experience in soil microbiology, proficiency with R 
and QIIME2, proficiency in programming (python), experience with grant writing
 Advertised salary: $50,000 plus benefits
Open date: March 1, 2019, but application review begins immediately
Special instructions to applicants:
Interested persons should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list 
of 3 references, including contact information, to Dr. Sarah Strauss 
(stra...@ufl.edu).

Sarah Strauss, PhD
Assistant Professor, Soil Microbiology
University of Florida - IFAS
Soil and Water Sciences Department
Southwest Florida Research & Education Center
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-658-3468 (office)
239-658-3447 (lab)
stra...@ufl.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Fantastic PhD Opportunity: Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems at the University of Florida

[Strauss,Sarah L]

A Ph.D. Research position is available in the Soil and Water Sciences 
Department for the exciting opportunity to characterize and examine the impact 
of biological soil crusts (BSCs) in agroecosystems. This is a joint project 
between the Soil Microbiology Lab at the Southwest Florida Research and 
Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee, FL, the Wetland Biogeochemistry Lab 
(Gainesville, FL), and the USDA-ARS Columbia Plateau Research Lab in Pendleton, 
OR.

Sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important due to rising 
input costs and greater concern about environmental impacts. Biological soil 
crusts (BSCs), a naturally-occurring phototrophic consortium of microorganisms 
on the soil surface, were recently identified in local producer fields. BSCs 
are well-documented in arid ecosystems where they are a source of fixed 
nitrogen (N) and help improve soil moisture. This student will have the 
opportunity to participate in one of the first projects to characterize BSCs in 
agroecosystems, where they could benefit crop production by increasing soil N 
availability and enhancing water retention

Research will focus on characterizing the microbial community structure, 
metabolism, nitrogen cycling, and impact of BSCs on plants in agroecosystems in 
Florida and Oregon. Additional work will involve manipulation experiments to 
assess environmental factors driving BSC development and function, as well as 
15N tracer techniques to determine the uptake and fate of BSC nitrogen.

The candidate is expected to work in the laboratory as well as in the 
greenhouse and field with periods of work under hot and humid conditions. A 
Master’s degree in soil science, microbiology, plant biology, or a related 
discipline from an accredited institution and experience in microbial ecology, 
next-generation sequencing, and/or bioinformatics is preferred.

Students will enroll in the Soil and Water Science Program, with a competative 
tuition waver and assistantship. This project is based both on main campus 
(www.ufl.edu) in Gainesville, FL, and at the SWFREC located 
in the in the heart of citrus and vegetable production in Florida. Visit the 
Department (http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu) and SWFREC 
(swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu) webpages for additional 
information. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sarah Strauss 
(stra...@ufl.edu) or Dr. Patrick Inglett 
(pingl...@ufl.edu).

Details regarding application can be found at 
http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-studies/.

[ECOLOG-L] PhD Opportunity: Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems at the University of Florida

[Strauss,Sarah L]

A Ph.D. Research position is available in the Soil and Water Sciences 
Department for the exciting opportunity to characterize and examine the impact 
of biological soil crusts (BSCs) in agroecosystems. This is a joint project 
between the Soil Microbiology Lab at the Southwest Florida Research and 
Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee, FL, the Wetland Biogeochemistry Lab 
(Gainesville, FL), and the USDA-ARS Columbia Plateau Research Lab in Pendleton, 
OR.

Sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important due to rising 
input costs and greater concern about environmental impacts. Biological soil 
crusts (BSCs), a naturally-occurring phototrophic consortium of microorganisms 
on the soil surface, were recently identified in local producer fields. BSCs 
are well-documented in arid ecosystems where they are a source of fixed 
nitrogen (N) and help improve soil moisture. This student will have the 
opportunity to participate in one of the first projects to characterize BSCs in 
agroecosystems, where they could benefit crop production by increasing soil N 
availability and enhancing water retention

Research will focus on characterizing the microbial community structure, 
metabolism, nitrogen cycling, and impact of BSCs on plants in agroecosystems in 
Florida and Oregon. Additional work will involve manipulation experiments to 
assess environmental factors driving BSC development and function, as well as 
15N tracer techniques to determine the uptake and fate of BSC nitrogen.

The candidate is expected to work in the laboratory as well as in the 
greenhouse and field with periods of work under hot and humid conditions. A 
Master’s degree in soil science, microbiology, plant biology, or a related 
discipline from an accredited institution and experience in microbial ecology, 
next-generation sequencing, and/or bioinformatics is preferred.

Students will enroll in the Soil and Water Science Program, with tuition waver 
and assistantship. This project is based both on main campus 
(www.ufl.edu) in Gainesville, FL, and at the SWFREC located 
in the in the heart of citrus and vegetable production in Florida. Visit the 
Department (http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu) and SWFREC 
(swfrec.ifas.ufl.edu) webpages for additional 
information. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sarah Strauss 
(stra...@ufl.edu) or Dr. Patrick Inglett 
(pingl...@ufl.edu).

Complete application packets are due Jan. 15, 2018.

Details regarding application can be found at 
http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/academics/graduate-studies/.

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Soil Microbiology Technician at UF Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

[Strauss,Sarah L]

Position: Biological Scientist I for the Soil Microbiology Lab at the UF-IFAS 
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
Job No. 503331

Work type: Staff Full-time

Description:
Conducts research to support the Soil Microbiology program at the Southwest 
Florida
Research and Education Center in Immokalee, FL. The incumbent will assist in 
one or more
phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in 
the
laboratory, in the greenhouse and in the field. Duties will include but are not 
limited to:

Preparing, maintaining and monitoring experimental trials in the laboratory, 
greenhouse
and field; collecting, processing, storing and maintaining soil samples from 
field,
greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.

Conducting various standard and specialized microbiology and molecular biology
laboratory procedures such as DNA/RNA extraction/purification/quantification, 
gel
electrophoresis, PCR and quantitative PCR, cloning, culturing; maintaining 
specialized
scientific- or other equipment in and outside the laboratory; preparing 
microbiological
media and chemical solutions; maintaining written and digital laboratory 
notebooks,
maintaining laboratory in a way that work can be accomplished safely and 
efficiently.

Recording, analyzing and summarizing data and preparing graphs and tables using
standard or specialized software.

Assisting in the preparation of written reports and publications and reviewing 
literature
pertinent to the research area as deemed appropriate by the P.I.

Assisting with any related duties required, including purchases of supplies and 
services, as
determined by the P.I.

Advertised Salary: 35,000.00 annually; commensurate with qualifications and 
experience.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related life 
science field.

Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological 
research.
Knowledge of basic principles of microbiology and/or soil sciences.
Knowledge of agricultural production systems such as citrus and vegetables.
Knowledge of standard laboratory practices.
Skill in various standard laboratory procedures such as pipetting, DNA 
extraction, PCR, gel
electrophoresis, bacterial/fungal culturing, maintaining detailed records from 
experiments.
Skill in various specialized laboratory practices such as quantitative PCR, 
next-generation
sequencing.
Ability to process large numbers of samples in an adequate time frame.
Ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and
statistical analysis software such as R or SAS.
Knowledge of principles of statistics and experimental design.
Ability to plan and coordinate research assignments effectively.
Ability to adhere to safe laboratory and other practices.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish an effective working relationship with others.
Ability to follow rules and regulations.

Special instructions to applicants:
Must apply through the UF website:
http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/503331/biological-scientist-i

Sarah Strauss, PhD
Assistant Professor, Soil Microbiology
University of Florida - IFAS
Soil and Water Sciences Department
Southwest Florida Research & Education Center
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-658-3468 (office)
239-658-3447 (lab)
stra...@ufl.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position: Soil Microbiology/Bioinformatics in Florida

[Strauss,Sarah L]

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Location: University of Florida/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education 
Center, Immokalee, FL
 Position description:
A postdoctoral position is available with the Soil Microbiology Lab at the 
University of Florida/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in 
Immokalee, FL, to examine the impact of agricultural management practices on 
the soil microbiology of citrus groves. The SWFREC is located in the in the 
heart of citrus and vegetable production in Florida and provides a unique 
opportunity to combine scientific research with the needs of the industry.
The project, which includes greenhouse and field studies, will evaluate the 
efficacy of soil microbial amendments on the improvement of tree root growth 
and nutrient uptake. The project will focus on integration of microbial 
community composition, soil chemistry, root metabolism, and plant growth data. 
Expertise in microbial ecology, molecular methods, and bioinformatics is 
required. Experience in high-throughput amplicon sequencing, qPCR, and shotgun 
metagenomics is preferred.
The incumbent will develop hypotheses based on current literature, design and 
conduct experiments, perform work in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field, 
analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed 
journals. The postdoctoral associate will work independently with minimal 
supervision. This is a one-year position, but may be extended up to three 
years, dependent on funding.
 Responsibilities:
• Experimental design
• Sample collection and processing
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Review of relevant literature
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
 Minimum qualifications:
• PhD in bioinformatics, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or 
biogeochemistry
• Expertise in bioinformatics for environmental microbiology
• Experience with unix/command line
• Evidence of effective scientific writing and publication in English
 Preferred qualifications: Experience in soil microbiology, experience with R 
and QIIME, proficiency in programming (perl or python), experience with grant 
writing
 Advertised salary: $50,000 plus benefits
Open date: as early as September 1, 2017, but application review begins 
immediately
Additional information: http://www.imok.ufl.edu/about-us/jobs/
Special instructions to applicants:
Interested persons should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list 
of 3 references, including contact information, to Dr. Sarah Strauss 
(stra...@ufl.edu).
Sarah Strauss, PhD
Assistant Professor, Soil Microbiology
University of Florida - IFAS
Soil and Water Sciences Department
Southwest Florida Research & Education Center
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-658-3468 (office)
239-658-3447 (lab)
stra...@ufl.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc Position: Soil Microbiology/Bioinformatics in Florida

[Strauss,Sarah L]

Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Location: University of Florida/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education 
Center, Immokalee, FL
Position description:
A postdoctoral position is available with the Soil Microbiology Lab at the 
University of Florida/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in 
Immokalee, FL, to examine the impact of agricultural management practices on 
the soil microbiology of citrus groves. The SWFREC is located in the in the 
heart of citrus and vegetable production in Florida and provides a unique 
opportunity to combine scientific research with the needs of the industry.
The project, which includes greenhouse and field studies, will evaluate the 
efficacy of soil microbial amendments on the improvement of tree root growth 
and nutrient uptake. The project will focus on integration of microbial 
community composition, soil chemistry, root metabolism, and plant growth data. 
Expertise in environmental microbial ecology, molecular methods, and 
bioinformatics is required. Experience in high-throughput amplicon sequencing, 
qPCR, and shotgun metagenomics is preferred.
The incumbent will develop hypotheses based on current literature, design and 
conduct experiments, perform work in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field, 
analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed 
journals. The postdoctoral associate will work independently with minimal 
supervision. This is a one-year position, but may be extended up to three 
years, dependent on funding.
Responsibilities:
Experimental design
Sample collection and processing
Data analysis and interpretation
Review of relevant literature
Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
Minimum qualifications:
PhD in bioinformatics, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or 
biogeochemistry
Expertise in bioinformatics for environmental microbiology
Experience with unix/command line
Evidence of effective scientific writing and publication in English
Preferred qualifications: Experience in soil microbiology, experience with R, 
proficiency in programming (perl or python), experience with grant writing
Advertised salary: $50,000 plus benefits
Open date: September 1, 2017, but application review begins immediately
Special instructions to applicants:
Interested persons should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list 
of 3 references, including contact information, to Dr. Sarah Strauss 
(stra...@ufl.edu).

[ECOLOG-L] Job: Soil Microbiology Technician at Southwest Florida Research and Education Center

[Strauss,Sarah L]

Position: Biological Scientist I for the Soil Microbiology Lab at the UF-IFAS 
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
Job No. 497586

Work type: Staff Full-time

Description:
Conducts research to support the Soil Microbiology program at the Southwest 
Florida
Research and Education Center in Immokalee, FL. The incumbent will assist in 
one or more
phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties in 
the
laboratory, in the greenhouse and in the field. Duties will include but are not 
limited to:

Preparing, maintaining and monitoring experimental trials in the laboratory, 
greenhouse
and field; collecting, processing, storing and maintaining soil samples from 
field,
greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.

Conducting various standard and specialized microbiology and molecular biology
laboratory procedures such as DNA/RNA extraction/purification/quantification, 
gel
electrophoresis, PCR and quantitative PCR, cloning, culturing; maintaining 
specialized
scientific- or other equipment in and outside the laboratory; preparing 
microbiological
media and chemical solutions; maintaining written and digital laboratory 
notebooks,
maintaining laboratory in a way that work can be accomplished safely and 
efficiently.

Recording, analyzing and summarizing data and preparing graphs and tables using
standard or specialized software.

Assisting in the preparation of written reports and publications and reviewing 
literature
pertinent to the research area as deemed appropriate by the P.I.

Assisting with any related duties required, including purchases of supplies and 
services, as
determined by the P.I.

Advertised Salary: 35,000.00 annually; commensurate with qualifications and 
experience.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related life 
science field.

Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of the terminology, principles and techniques used in biological 
research.
Knowledge of basic principles of microbiology and/or soil sciences.
Knowledge of agricultural production systems such as citrus and vegetables.
Knowledge of standard laboratory practices.
Skill in various standard laboratory procedures such as pipetting, DNA 
extraction, PCR, gel
electrophoresis, bacterial/fungal culturing, maintaining detailed records from 
experiments.
Skill in various specialized laboratory practices such as quantitative PCR, 
next-generation
sequencing.
Ability to process large numbers of samples in an adequate time frame.
Ability to use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and
statistical analysis software such as R or SAS.
Knowledge of principles of statistics and experimental design.
Ability to plan and coordinate research assignments effectively.
Ability to adhere to safe laboratory and other practices.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish an effective working relationship with others.
Ability to follow rules and regulations.

Special instructions to applicants:
Must apply through the UF website:
http://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/cw/en-us/job/497586/biological-scientist-i