Postdoctoral Researcher on “Microbial drivers of the CH4 source-to-sink transition in Northern Forests", Arizona State University.

A collaborative postdoctoral position on a NSF project titled “Assessing the biophysical drivers of the CH4 source sink transition in Northern Forests” is available at the Cadillo Lab in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ). Research in the Cadillo Lab (https://faculty.thecollege.asu.edu/cadillo) examines interdisciplinary subjects related to ecosystems processes, carbon cycling and the role of microbes at different spatial and temporal scales.

Motivation and major roles

We are part of a collaborative NSF project bringing together researchers from five institutions (ASU, SDU, UM, Emory and Woodwell Climate Research Center) to evaluate how environmental controls merge with biological processes and thus decipher the mechanisms, processes, and functional relationships driving CH4 sink/source activity from the microsite to landscape level in the Howland Research Forest.

This large project will integrate multi-scale field- and lab-based experimental observations of CH4 production, CH4 oxidation, stable carbon isotopes, microbial analysis, and modeling.

            One Postdoctoral researcher, based at ASU, will lead efforts to advance our understanding of microbial physiology and microbial ecology of methanogens and methanotrophs in the soils. Postdoctoral researcher will also work closely with ecosystem modeling peer at Emory University, plus co-training in activities like ecosystem modeling, Isotopic Geochemistry camp, or Bioinformatics camps. A comprehensive postdoctoral mentoring plan will be available.

Essential duties

1. Contribute to high-resolution microbial mappings (mRNA) associated to soil methane flux by combining field work measurements and laboratory-based data acquisition.
2. Develop several cellular modeling of field (omics) and lab (physiology) data seeking to integrate microbial operational genes (functional markers) and traits (kinetics) to predict activity rates of microbial guild under field conditions
3. Write scientific papers associated with the research.
4. Travel to field work activities and meetings to present results.
5. Be an active member in research group activities (e.g., participate in lab meetings, mentor students, contribute to lab governance).

Minimum qualifications

1. Successful candidates must have earned doctoral degree, or the equivalent terminal degree in a relevant area such as Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences, Ecosystem Sciences, Geobiology, Environmental Engineering at the time of appointment.
2. Demonstrated dedication to solving microbial contribution to ecosystem problems through research and scholarship.
3. Must have the capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
4. A demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, and excellent communication skills.
5. Proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Desired qualifications

1. Candidates with strong expertise in microbial ecology, computational or experimental genomics, or microbial physiology (gene expression) in the context of environmental change will be preferred.
2. Strong candidates should possess: (A) significant publication record (papers published, in press, or submitted), (B) creativity, independence, and the desire to learn, (C) abilities to design molecular and genomic evaluations, and (D) analytical, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
3. A demonstrated commitment to supporting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Salary and estimated start time

A standard salary range is available and commensurate with experience. Starting time is flexible although Spring 2024 is preferred.

 

Instructions to apply

For any questions or application materials, please reach Cadillo-lab-appl@asu.edu accordingly.

Application materials will include:

1. Cover letter and research interests. Applicants should describe experience and suitability for the position. Unlike a standard cover letter, this proposal should highlight the strengths of the applicant’s experience towards developing and implementing proposed research. Applicants are encouraged to discuss relevant research questions, approaches, scientific significance, and significance to action-oriented research.
2. Curriculum vitae or resume.
3. Contact information (name, email and phone) for three references.
4. A brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals.
5. A Diversity Statement

Applications will be evaluated starting from February 1st 2024 and will continue on a rolling basis with biweekly reviews until the position is filled.