Two PhD Positions in Environmental Life Sciences: "Ecosystem and Organismal Drivers of Methane in Amazon Peatlands" at the School of Life Sciences (SOLS), Arizona State University.

PhD positions  to 1) develop ecosystem modeling inclusive of microbial traits; and 2) biological understanding of methane consumption in amazon Peatlands

Two PhD Positions in Environmental Life Sciences: "Ecosystem and Organismal Drivers of Methane in Amazon Peatlands" at the School of Life Sciences (SOLS), Arizona State University.

  The Cadillo Lab in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University(Tempe, AZ) is seeking two PhD students to begin in 2020. Research in the Cadillo Lab (https://cadillo-lab.asu.edu) examines interdisciplinary subjects related to ecosystems processes, carbon cycling and the role of microbes at different spatial scales.

  The first PhD position focus on transdisciplinary work in ecosystem analysis and integrative modeling of microbes and methane flux predictions for Amazon peatlands. The incoming PhD student will participate in studies of spatial ecology of methane emission and ecosystem-level flux modeling, integrating trait-based predictions for microbial guilds including decomposers and methane-producing microbes. The student will join a recently funded NSF CAREER project including: field work in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, modeling research and remote sensing collaborations. Prior research experience in tropical field ecology or CH4 flux and ecosystem studies is desirable, and any level of microbial ecology is a plus but not strictly required. The student will be expected to demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively, participate in international training, and bridge field and laboratory based research.

  The second PhD position will focus on developing a biological understanding of the consumption of methane in Amazon peatlands. The student will participate in a collaborative research program quantifying the activity and contribution of methane oxidation (particularly anaerobic) to the annual budget in Amazon peatlands. Research in this program includes isotope studies and labelling, geomicrobiology assays, molecular ecology, microbial genomics and statistical modeling of flux data. The student will be part of a DOE-funded collaborative study team including members from other five US and Peruvian institutions. Prior research experience in anaerobic microbiology, tropical microbial ecology, or soil geochemistry is desirable.

  Students with appropriate background in either of the following fields: ecosystem sciences, statistical or mathematical modeling, geochemistry or greenhouse gases assessment, anaerobic microbiology, microbial ecology or related fields, are encouraged to apply. Students with a record of publication or master’s degree, strong quantitative skills, and appropriate experiences for each opening will be given preference. Start date for graduate studies is Fall 2020. To express interest in the positions please email Prof Cadillo-Quiroz at hinsby@asu.edu and include 1) a statement of  research interests and experience, 2) a CV, and 3) a writing sample, if available. Candidates are to be considered for admission through either of the following programs: Environmental Life Sciences PhD program, PhD in Microbiology, PhD in Biology, or PhD in Biological Design (see application details and deadlines at: https://sols.asu.edu/degree-programs/graduate and https://sbhse.engineering.asu.edu/biologicaldesignoverview/). ASU provides a strong research environment through the School of Life Sciences (https://sols.asu.edu), the Global Institute of Sustainability (https://sustainability.asu.edu/), and the Biodesign Institute (https://biodesign.asu.edu/) all which are involved in the Cadillo Lab research.

Application deadline:
Start date:
Location: Tempe, AZ