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
