[ECOLOG-L] REU in Ecosystem Ecology and Environmental Microbiology
> The Global Change Biology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab at the > University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is seeking an undergraduate > student for an innovative NSF-funded REU project integrating ecosystem > ecology, biogeochemistry, and environmental microbiology. The project will > contribute to a larger effort to improve understanding of when, where, and > why the microbially mediated process, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to > ammonium (DNRA), is an important soil nitrogen transformation process in > terrestrial ecosystems. DNRA retains nitrogen in ecosystems to support plant > productivity and reduce water pollution resulting from nitrate runoff; it > also competes with other microbially mediated nitrogen transformations to > decrease soil emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas that > contributes to climate change. Despite its potential importance, DNRA has > generally been disregarded in non-flooded terrestrial ecosystems because of > the misconception that it is restricted to conditions found in flooded > environments, such as wetlands and rice paddies. > > During the 10-week program, the REU student will gain hands-on training and > valuable experience in both field and laboratory research conducted on the > UIUC campus, including the option to learn about stable isotope pool dilution > and tracer methods, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or Illumina > sequencing of soil microbial genes. The student will be guided in the > development of an independent project that culminates in an oral presentation > of the project results to the lab group. The selected student will be > primarily mentored by Dr. Wendy Yang, an ecosystem ecologist and > biogeochemist; Dr. Robert Sanford, an environmental microbiologist; or Dr. > Joanne Chee-Sanford, a microbiologist; placement will be determined based on > the student’s expressed interest. > > Program details: > - The program runs for 10 weeks, from May 29, 2018 to August 3, 2018. > - Travel expenses to/from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and lodging > will be provided. > - The student will receive a weekly stipend. > > Qualifications: > - U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the > United States > - Must be enrolled in a baccalaureate or associate degree program > (part-time or full-time); transfer students and high school students accepted > into and starting a degree program in Fall 2018 are eligible > - Prior research experience NOT required > - Has a strong interest in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, > environmental microbiology, or related fields > - Shows academic promise > > Applications are due by March 23, 2018 and should include the following: > - 1-2 page cover letter, including responses to the following three > questions: > 1. Which faculty mentor are you interested in working primarily with, > and how does that investigator’s field of research relate to your interests? > 2. What do you hope to gain from this research experience? > 3. What do you envision yourself doing career-wise 10 years from now? > - CV/resume > - Transcript (unofficial is ok) > - Contact information for 3 references > > Applications and questions should be sent to Dr. Wendy Yang at > ya...@illinois.edu. > > For more information about the Global Change Biology and Stable Isotope > Biogeochemistry lab and the parent project for the REU project, please visit > http://bit.ly/REU-UIUC >
[ECOLOG-L] Research Technician Opening in Agroecology and Biogeochemistry
> The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University > of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks a full time research technician in the > Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab to work on a > project funded by the USDA. This is a 12-month non-tenure-track Academic > Professional position. The overall goal of the project is to create the > knowledge and institutional capacity to guide the transition from corn-soy > rotation to production agroforestry— which involves growing multiple tree, > shrub, and herbaceous species together to produce staple food and fodder > crops—on marginal lands in the Midwest, U.S. Our interdisciplinary team, in > collaboration with the Savanna Institute, will assess the ecosystem services > enhancement by production agroforestry relative to corn-soy rotation on > working farms in the Midwest. Our objectives are to: (1) Build an integrated > community of Midwest production agroforestry farmers and researchers; (2) > Quantify the effect of fertilization on tradeoffs among yield, nutrient > leaching, and soil greenhouse gas emissions from production agroforestry > versus corn-soy rotation; and (3) Characterize the life cycle environmental > implications of a transition from corn-soy rotation to production > agroforestry. > > > > MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES > > The successful candidate will participate in the establishment, maintenance > and sampling of replicated field experiments on working farms throughout the > Midwest, U.S. Field work will be extensive during the snow-free season (3-4 > days per week) and less frequent otherwise (3-4 days per month). This will > require the technician to travel throughout the Midwest frequently during the > snow-free season (up to 1-2 days per week) and less frequently during the > winter (up to 1-2 days per month). The balance of the technician’s time > will be spent in the laboratory for the following: analyzing soil, gas, and > water samples; preparing field supplies; maintaining laboratory > instrumentation related to this project (including a gas chromatograph and > isotope ratio mass spectrometer interfaced with a trace gas analyzer and > elemental analyzer); supervising undergraduate students assisting with this > project; and purchasing and receiving chemicals and scientific supplies > related to this project. Depending on experience, there is also opportunity > to assist with data compilation and analysis. > > > > Required qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental > science, chemistry, or related field (alternate degree fields will be > considered/accepted depending upon depth and breadth of experience and skills > as related to this position). Research experience in the laboratory and/or > field. Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel). > > > > Preferred qualifications: Research experience in the laboratory and/or in the > field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil > sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography). Experience working on farms > and with farmers, strongly preferred. > > > > Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications > > > > Start date: as soon as possible > > > > Applications must be received by March 16, 2018. To apply, all candidates > must submit an online profile through bit.ly/UIUCapply by the close of the > posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details > qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of > three professional references. All requested information must be submitted > for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be > reviewed. > > > > For further information, please contact: Susan Key, Human Resources, > susan...@illinois.edu > > > > The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job > candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. > > > > The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action > employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are > encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. > To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit > http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu >
[ECOLOG-L] Field Research Specialist: Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Carbon and Nitrogen Biogeochemistry
Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment University of Illinois Field Research Specialist: Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Carbon and Nitrogen Biogeochemistry A field research specialist position is available 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). The overall goal of the CABBI Sustainability Theme is to develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels. The field research specialist will work with Dr. Wendy Yang and her Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab to study plant-soil-microbe interactions in bioenergy cropping systems (sorghum, sugarcane, and Miscanthus) with regards to soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. This highly collaborative project involves working closely with other ecosystem ecologists, microbial ecologists, ecosystem modelers, ecophysiologists, ecohydrologists, and others in the CABBI Sustainability Theme. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct field work and laboratory experiments; analyze soil, gas, and water samples; support other lab activities. Perform field and laboratory research activities led by two postdoctoral research associates focusing on carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry, respectively. Major responsibilities in the field include the following: sampling soil pore water and trace gas fluxes, and collecting soils for laboratory experiments. Will travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns. Major responsibilities in the laboratory include the following: analyzing soil, gas, and water samples; preparing reagents; conducting stable isotope pool dilution and tracer experiments; supervising undergraduate students assisting with this project (including training and assigning work, and tracking work performance and deliverables); and purchasing and receiving chemicals and scientific supplies related to this project. Depending on experience, there is also opportunity to assist with data compilation, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Qualifications: Required: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position. Research experience in the laboratory and/or field. Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel); a valid driver's license and ability to travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa, and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns Preferred: Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography). Ability to work in a large collaborative team environment; ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions; strong organizational skills Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications Applications must be received by January 1, 2018. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information, please contact: Susan Key, Human Resources, susan...@illinois.edu Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu) The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. ~~~` Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois 265 Morrill Hall 505 South Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614 http://sib.illinois.edu/yang
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Nitrogen Biogeochemistry
A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) 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). The goal of the CABBI Sustainability Theme is to develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels. The postdoc is sought to support research on plant-soil-microbe interactions in bioenergy cropping systems (sorghum, energycane, and Miscanthus) with regards to nitrogen biogeochemistry, including mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, etc. Job duties include designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, developing and testing innovative stable isotope methodologies for measuring in situ nitrogen cycling process rates, coordinating research activities with a large team of collaborators, supervising technicians and undergraduates, and writing manuscripts. The postdoc will work with Dr. Wendy Yang in her Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab and will collaborate with other ecosystem ecologists, microbial ecologists, ecosystem modelers, ecophysiologists, ecohydrologists, and others in the CABBI Sustainability Theme. Collaboration with researchers in the CABBI Feedstocks and Conversion themes and the other BRCs is encouraged. The postdoc will be housed in the Institute for Genomic Biology with the other UIUC-based CABBI researchers to facilitate these collaborative interactions and help build a strong community of postdocs and graduate students. Required Qualifications: · A Ph.D. or the equivalent in ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field · Experience with laboratory and field work · Strong English writing and oral communication skills · Strong organizational skills · Ability to work in a collaborative environment · Ability to travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa, and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns · A valid driver’s license Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes: A strong publication record from their Ph.D. (papers published, in press, or submitted) Experience with natural abundance or tracer stable isotope techniques Experience with method development or tinkering with major instrumentation (e.g., isotope ratio mass spectrometer, quantum cascade laser) Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things. The position is available for four years; however, annual renewal is dependent on funding and progress made by the individual. This position includes a competitive salary and full benefits. Application review will begin Dec. 1, 2017 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but ideally in January 2018. Applications should include a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. Please put “CABBI postdoc application” in the subject line of your email to Ank Michielson, the CABBI Program Manager, michi...@illinois.edu. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Wendy Yang at ya...@illinois.edu. Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu) The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Specialist Job Opening at University of Illinois
The Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) seeks a full time field research specialist in the Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab to work on related projects funded by the USDA and NSF. The overall goal of the USDA project is to determine the environmental and genetic potential for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) to occur in Midwest agricultural soils under various management practices (e.g., perennial versus annual crop, fertilization, etc.). The overall goal of the NSF project is to improve mechanistic understanding of when, where, and why DNRA is an important nitrogen transformation process in upland, terrestrial ecosystems. Both projects utilize state-of-the-art stable isotope and molecular techniques, with the USDA project including fieldwork on local UIUC research farms and the NSF project focusing on laboratory experiments with soils collected from across the NSF Critical Zone Observatory network. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Major responsibilities in the field include the following: Sample soil pore water and trace gas fluxes Collect soil samples for laboratory experiments Major responsibilities in the laboratory include the following: Analyze soil, gas, and water samples Prepare reagents Conduct stable isotope pool dilution and tracer experiments Extract DNA and RNA from soils Maintain laboratory instrumentation related to this project (including a gas chromatograph and isotope ration mass spectrometer interfaced with a trace gas analyzer and elemental analyzer) Purchase and receive chemicals and scientific supplies related to this project May assist with data compilation and analysis Supervise undergraduate students assisting with this project including, but not limited to: Scheduling student hours; delegating tasks to students; serving as point-person for students' questions in lab; and ensuring quality of student work. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelors degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field Prior field and laboratory experience in ecology Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel) Preferred: Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography) and molecular biology (e.g., DNA extraction, RNA extraction, PCR, Illumina sequencing, bioinformatics) SALARY AND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION This is a full-time, academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is a soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however no hiring decision will be made until after that date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile through http://go.illinois.edu/FieldRschSpec and upload your cover letter detailing qualifications noted above and resume by September 7, 2017. Online application will require the names and contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references. Full consideration will be given to complete applications received by the closing date. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. For further information, please contact: Jana Lenz at janal...@illinois.edu. The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the Universitys commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
[ECOLOG-L] Full-time Research Technician Opportunity in Agroecology and Biogeochemistry
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Lab Field and Laboratory Research Technician The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks a full time research technician in the Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab to work on a project funded by the USDA. This is a 12-month non-tenure-track Academic Professional position. The overall goal of the project is to create the knowledge and institutional capacity to guide the transition from corn-soy rotation to production agroforestry which involves growing multiple tree, shrub, and herbaceous species together to produce staple food and fodder cropson marginal lands in the Midwest, U.S. Our interdisciplinary team, in collaboration with the Savanna Institute, will assess the ecosystem services enhancement by production agroforestry relative to corn-soy rotation on working farms in the Midwest. Our objectives are to: (1) Build an integrated community of Midwest production agroforestry farmers and researchers; (2) Quantify the effect of fertilization on tradeoffs among yield, nutrient leaching, and soil greenhouse gas emissions from production agroforestry versus corn-soy rotation; and (3) Characterize the life cycle environmental implications of a transition from corn-soy rotation to production agroforestry. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate will participate in the establishment, maintenance and sampling of replicated field experiments on working farms throughout the Midwest, U.S. Extensive fieldwork will require the technician to travel throughout the Midwest for 1-2 weeks per month during the snow-free season. The balance of the technicians time will be spent in the laboratory for the following: analyzing soil, gas, and water samples; preparing field supplies; maintaining laboratory instrumentation related to this project (including a gas chromatograph and isotope ratio mass spectrometer interfaced with a trace gas analyzer and elemental analyzer); supervising undergraduate students assisting with this project; and purchasing and receiving chemicals and scientific supplies related to this project. Depending on experience, there is also opportunity to assist with data compilation and analysis. Required qualifications: A bachelors degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field (alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending upon depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to this position). Research experience in the laboratory and/or field. Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel). Preferred qualifications: Research experience in the laboratory and/or in the field related to biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet chemistry, gas chromatography). Experience working on farms and with farmers, strongly preferred. Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications Start date: as soon as possible Applications must be received by March 20, 2017. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For further information, please contact: Susan Key, Human Resources, susan...@illinois.edu Illinois is an Affirmative Action /Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu) The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or criminal conviction history. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu). ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
[ECOLOG-L] Grad Student Opportunities in Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
The Yang Lab (https://sib.illinois.edu/yang) in Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry in the Departments of Plant Biology and Geology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks creative and motivated graduate students to join the lab in Summer/Fall 2016. We explore how human activities are changing how natural and managed ecosystems function and how ecosystem responses to global change can feedback to fuel or slow future global change. We are particularly interested in the controls on greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of anthropogenic nitrogen inputs on ecosystem nitrogen retention and loss, the effects of plant community composition shifts on ecosystem nitrogen and carbon dynamics, and the coupling of biogeochemical cycles beyond carbon and nitrogen (i.e., iron coupled processes). Students will be encouraged to develop their own research related to these themes. Potential local field sites include the Multifunctional Woody Polyculture research farm, SoyFACE, the Bondville Ameriflux site, and the Upper Sangamon Basin which is part of the Intensively Managed Landscapes Critical Zone Observatory. Prospective students are also encouraged to consider applying for the IGERT program in Vertically Integrated Training with Genomics (http://www.igb.illinois.edu/vintg/igert), which provides the opportunity to develop research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. There are multiple opportunities to join the lab to pursue a Masters or Ph.D. degree: (1) Department of Plant Biology (http://www.life.illinois.edu/plantbio/index.html) Deadline January 1 (2) Department of Geology (http://www.geology.illinois.edu/) Deadline January 15 (3) Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://sib.illinois.edu/peec/) Deadline January 1 If you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Wendy Yang at ya...@illinois.edu. Please include a brief statement of your research interests and your CV. ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
[ECOLOG-L] Grad Student Opportunities in Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
The Yang Lab (https://sib.illinois.edu/yang) in Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry in the Departments of Plant Biology and Geology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks creative and motivated graduate students to join the lab in Fall 2015. We explore how human activities are changing how natural and managed ecosystems function and how ecosystem responses to global change can feedback to drive or slow future global change. We are particularly interested in the controls on greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of nitrogen deposition on ecosystem nitrogen retention and loss, the effects of plant community composition shifts on ecosystem nitrogen and carbon dynamics, and the coupling of biogeochemical cycles beyond carbon and nitrogen. Students will be encouraged to develop their own research related to these themes. Potential local field sites include SoyFACE, the Energy Biosciences Institute Energy Farm, the Woody Perennial Polyculture research site, the Bondville Ameriflux site, and the Upper Sangamon Basin which is part of the Intensively Managed Landscapes Critical Zone Observatory. Prospective students are also encouraged to consider applying for the IGERT program in Vertically Integrated Training with Genomics (http://www.igb.illinois.edu/vintg/igert), which provides the opportunity to develop research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. There are multiple opportunities to join the lab to pursue a Masters or Ph.D. degree: (1) Department of Plant Biology (http://www.life.illinois.edu/plantbio/index.html) Deadline January 1 (2) Department of Geology (http://www.geology.illinois.edu/) Deadline January 15 (3) Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://sib.illinois.edu/peec/) Deadline January 1 If you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Wendy Yang at ya...@illinois.edu. Please include a brief statement of your research interests and your CV. ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc Position in the Biogeochemistry of Sustainable Food Production
Postdoc Opportunity in the Biogeochemistry of Sustainable Food Production A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Plant Biology, in the School of Integrative Biology, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) for a project funded by the UIUC Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. The goal of the Multifunctional Woody Polyculture for Sustainable Food Production project is to develop a research infrastructure that evaluates the potential of multifunctional woody polyculture as a transformative system of agriculture to meet growing demand for healthy foods while advancing the sustainability of food production systems in the United States and abroad. The objectives of this project are to (1) determine the biogeochemical implications of converting conventional agriculture to woody polyculture, (2) determine the ecosystem services delivered by woody polyculture compared to conventional agriculture and native ecosystems, (3) examine the barriers and drivers of adoption of woody polyculture systems, (4) identify the most commercially viable nut crop varieties for the Midwestern US to-date and determine how relative performance among varieties changes from monoculture to polyculture, and (5) characterize the life cycle environmental implications of a transition to multifunctional polyculture systems for food production. A postdoctoral research associate is sought to support research for objective 2 by conducting field surveys of established woody polyculture farms to quantify ecosystem services compared with conventional agriculture farms. These ecosystem services include soil carbon sequestration, nitrogen pollution mitigation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and biodiversity conservation. The postdoc will also support the overall project by coordinating data entry across the overall project, integrating research activities and results across objectives, and writing grant proposals and manuscripts. Contingent upon securing additional funding, there is the opportunity for the postdoc to develop additional studies based at the newly established Multifunctional Woody Polyculture research site located in Urbana, IL near the UIUC campus. This project is led by an interdisciplinary team of PIs from many departments across the UIUC campus: Bruce Branham (Crop Sciences), Jeremy Guest (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Sarah Lovell (Crop Sciences), Nick Paulson (Agricultural and Consumer Economics), Michelle Wander (Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences), and Wendy Yang (Plant Biology and Geology). The postdoc will be housed in Dr. Yangs Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab and will also work closely with Dr. Lovells Multifunctional Landscape Analysis and Design lab. The position is available for 3 years, with the first year as a probationary period, and includes a competitive salary and full benefits. Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. or the equivalent in ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field Experience with laboratory and field work Strong English writing and oral communication skills Strong organizational skills Ability to work in a collaborative environment Drivers license Candidates should send a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a 1-2 page statement of research interests and career goals to Dr. Wendy Yang (ya...@illinois.edu). Application review will begin on September 2, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible but preference is for as soon as possible after the application deadline. For further information, please contact Dr. Yang. Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu). ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
[ECOLOG-L] AGU Session: Iron, a Catalyst for Biogeochemical Processes in Terrestrial Ecosystems
Dear colleagues, We encourage you to submit an abstract to the AGU session, Iron: A Catalyst for Biogeochemical Processes in Terrestrial Ecosystems (Session ID #2321). Confirmed Invited Presenters: Oliver Chadwick (University of California, Santa Barbara) Scott Fendorf (Stanford University) Eric Roden (University of Wisconsin, Madison) Whendee Silver (University of California, Berkeley) Session Description: Changes in the redox state of iron can be coupled to biogeochemical cycling of other elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, and thus, potentially play an important role in regulating ecosystem nutrient availability and greenhouse gas production. Until recently, iron redox cycling in terrestrial ecosystems was under-appreciated due to the misconception that reducing conditions rarely occur in upland soils. However, evidence is mounting that iron can be an important catalyst for both biotic and abiotic soil biogeochemical processes. We need a better understanding of the drivers of iron-coupled biogeochemical processes to predict when and where these processes could be relevant on the ecosystem scale and how process rates may change in response to global changes. In this session, we will explore microbial, geochemical, and pedogenic aspects of iron redox cycling and its coupling to other biogeochemical cycles. Abstract submissions are due on August 6, 2014 at 23:59 EDT at the following website: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2014/scientific-program/ We hope you can join us! Conveners: Wendy Yang (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) Steven Hall (University of Utah) Daniel Liptzin (University of Colorado) ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
[ECOLOG-L] Grad Student Opportunities in Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
The Yang Lab (https://sib.illinois.edu/yang) in Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry in the Departments of Plant Biology and Geology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks creative and motivated graduate students to join the lab in Summer/Fall 2014. We explore how human activities are changing how natural and managed ecosystems function and how ecosystem responses to global change can feedback to drive or slow future global change. We are particularly interested in the controls on greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of nitrogen deposition on ecosystem nitrogen retention and loss, the effects of plant community composition shifts on ecosystem nitrogen and carbon dynamics, and the coupling of biogeochemical cycles beyond carbon and nitrogen. Students will be encouraged to develop their own research related to these themes. Potential local field sites include SoyFACE, the Energy Biosciences Institute Energy Farm, the Woody Perennial Polyculture research site, the Bondville Ameriflux site, and the Upper Sangamon Basin which is part of the Intensively Managed Landscapes Critical Zone Observatory. Prospective students are also encouraged to consider applying for the IGERT program in Vertically Integrated Training with Genomics (http://www.igb.illinois.edu/vintg/igert), which provides the opportunity to develop research at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. There are multiple opportunities to join the lab to pursue a Masters or Ph.D. degree: (1) Department of Plant Biology (http://www.life.illinois.edu/plantbio/index.html) Deadline January 1 (2) Department of Geology (http://www.geology.illinois.edu/) Deadline January 15 (3) Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (http://sib.illinois.edu/peec/) Deadline January 1 If you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Wendy Yang at ya...@illinois.edu. Please include a brief statement of your research interests and your CV. ~~~ Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Departments of Plant Biology and Geology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 265 Morrill Hall 505 S Goodwin Ave Urbana, IL 61801 Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall Office phone: 217-244-2614
