Postdoctoral Scholar in Soil Microbial Ecology

About the role

The Soil Microbiomes Laboratory of Dr. Estelle Couradeau is seeking a highly motivated scientist for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The successful candidate will join the NSF CAREER-funded project: CAREER: Breaking Ground: Uncovering the Fate of Biocrust Microbiome in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands. This interdisciplinary project investigates how biological soil crust (biocrust) microbial communities respond to environmental change and the consequences for soil ecosystem functioning. The project integrates microbial ecology, soil science, microbial physiology, microfluidics, microscopy, omics approaches, and education and outreach activities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research investigating the response of biocrust microbial communities to environmental change in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
• Design and conduct laboratory, field, and/or mesocosm experiments.
• Apply molecular, microbiological, imaging, physiological, computational, and omics approaches as appropriate to the candidate's interests and expertise.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with students, staff, and national and international project partners.
• Participate in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to educational and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, soil science, or related disciplines.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Desired Attributes

• A generous team member dedicated to fostering collaboration and building communities.
• A curious mind with a strong drive for advancing research in the field.

Pay

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Schedule

The position is expected to be full-time.