Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Biology

West Virginia University’s Department of Biology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Dr. Eddie Brzostek’s lab. The role focuses on improving empirical and predictive understanding of plant-microbial interactions that enhance the resiliency, growth, and sustainability of bioenergy crops at the ecosystem level through experiments and process-based models. The incumbent will collaborate with researchers in the Sustainability Theme of the Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI), a DOE-funded Bioenergy Research Center.

About the role

The Department of Biology has a strong research focus in ecosystem ecology, with a large group of faculty, post-docs, and graduate students. The ecology group fosters collaboration, team science, and open discussion of research ideas. The department provides access to resources such as the WVU Herbarium, Core Arboretum, Ecotron, and greenhouse facilities. Nearby research sites include WVU’s experimental farms and the Fernow Experimental Forest. WVU also offers high-performance computing clusters (Dolly Sods and Thorny Flat) to support data-intensive projects.

Responsibilities

• Refine a predictive model of plant-microbial interactions for bioenergy and agricultural ecosystems.
• Synthesize existing data to generate validation for model developments.
• Lead field campaigns to measure and experimentally manipulate plant-microbial interactions in bioenergy systems.
• Perform chemical analyses of plant and soil samples in the lab.
• Work with hourly student workers to ensure proper sample analysis and data quality control.
• Travel to remote field sites to collect plant and soil samples.
• Communicate research orally at scientific meetings and through written publications in scientific journals.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals to federal agencies including DOE, NSF, and USDA.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of ecosystem modeling and/or the desire to learn ecosystem modeling.
• Ability to perform field and laboratory research in biogeochemistry, plant ecology, and/or microbial ecology.
• Proficiency in coding (R, Python, or Matlab).
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills.

Benefits

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.

Location

Morgantown, WV, is a growing university city offering abundant outdoor recreation and the cultural opportunities of a college town. It is within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA (70 miles), and within a day’s drive of Washington, DC, and Columbus, OH (200 miles). West Virginia University is an R1 research institution committed to work-life balance and a collaborative atmosphere.