Job description: Terrestrial ecosystems are undergoing a broad range of responses to climate change, and in particular feedbacks leading to ecosystem transitions from greenhouse gas sinks to sources demand immediate attention. Forested ecosystems like transitional subboreal forest provide an important case to study transitions from methanotrophic to methanogenic activities and microbial functioning relevant for large areas of the northern forests.
We are part of a collaborative effort (NSF funded project) bringing together researchers from five institutions (ASU, SDU, UM, Emory and Woodwell Climate Research center as lead) 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.
A Postdoctoral researcher, to be based at ASU, will lead efforts to advance our understanding of microbial physiology and microbial ecology of methanogens and methanotrophs in the soils. Starting of position is flexible but February-March, 2023 is desired.
Essential duties
- Contribute to high-resolution microbial mappings (DNA and RNA) associated to soil methane flux by combining field work measurements and laboratory-based data acquisition
- Develop several experimental and computational activities seeking to integrate microbial operational genes (functional markers) and traits (kinetics) in culture and culture-free approaches to predict activity rates of microbial guild under field conditions
- Write scientific papers associated with the research.
- Travel to field work activities and meetings to present results.
- Be an active member in research group activities (e.g., participate in lab meetings, mentor students, contribute to lab governance).
Minimum qualifications
- 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.
- Demonstrated dedication to solving microbial contribution to ecosystem problems through research and scholarship.
- Must have the capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
- A demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, and excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Desired qualifications
- 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.
- 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.
- A demonstrated commitment to supporting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Department and project information
The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.
Arizona State University is a dynamic, progressive university dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations, to rethinking university education, and to integrating excellence in research and teaching. The university has been ranked #1 for innovation by the US News & World Report for the past five years. ASU’s School of Life Sciences is committed to curricular innovation in traditional and digital learning environments.
Instructions to apply
To review and apply for this position, please visit http://apply.interfolio.com/117624. Applicants must submit:
- 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.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Contact information (name, email and phone) for two or three references.
- A brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals.
- A Diversity Statement
Application close date
The deadline to submit all materials will be December 29 at 3:00 p.m. AZ time. However, later applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.