Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoc position investigating novel fertilizers and the plant microbiome

The position is being funded through a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) grant focused on testing novel nanocomposites using Phosphorus from agricultural wastes, particularly animal bones and manures, on plant health and the phytobiome. Collaborators at the University of Delaware and National Research Council of Italy will develop the materials; the hired Post-Doctoral Scientist will work with CAES staff test the materials in greenhouse and field studies with a broad range of plant species, including an evaluation of impacts on the soil and rhizosphere microbiome.  Familiarity with molecular techniques related to soil microbiome characterization (i.e.. 16S rRNA gene, metagenomic, and transcriptome sequence analysis) and plant growth under greenhouse and field conditions is needed; experience with extraction/digestion procedures; analytical instrumentation such as ICP-MS, GC-MS/LC-MS; and electron microscopy is desirable. The duration of the position is for 2.25 years, starting as early as 5/1/2024. The starting salary is $55,592/yr. with medical and dental benefits.  Interested candidates should submit the following by 2/15/2024:  resume/c.v., cover letter summarizing qualifications, graduate transcripts, and the names, address, telephone number, and email addresses of at least 2 references. Applications can be sent to either: Jason C. White, Ph.D., Director, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, tel. 203-974-8440, fax. 203-974-8502, Jason.White@ct.gov or Blaire Steven, Ph.D., The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, blaire.steven@ct.gov

About Us: Founded in 1875, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is a state-supported institution dedicated to basic and applied research that supports plant, environmental, and human health. Over eighty full-time researchers work at the main campus in New Haven, a 75-acre research farm in nearby Hamden, and at two satellite farms and laboratory facilities. CAES fosters a highly collaborative and collegial research environment and maintains close ties to nearby academic institutions, including Yale University and the University of Connecticut.

Application deadline:
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Location: Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA