Postdoc - Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Sustainable Bioenergy
Iowa State University
Application
Details
Posted: 10-Oct-24
Location: Ames, Iowa
Salary: Open
Internal Number: R15657
Position Title:
Postdoc - Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Sustainable Bioenergy
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
A postdoctoral research associate position is available in Genomics and Environmental Research in Microbial Systems as part of the Sustainability Theme in the U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The goal of the CABBI Sustainability Theme is to develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels.
The postdoc is sought to support research on plant-soil-microbe interactions in bioenergy cropping systems (sorghum, sugarcane/energycane, and miscanthus) with regards to microbial interactions with sustainable feedstock development. This includes but is not limited to: investigating how highly productive perennial grasses alter deep soil carbon cycling; assessing how drought tolerance traits can reduce the carbon intensity of bioenergy crop production; and determining how oil-enhanced bioenergy crops alter soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. Job duties include designing and conducting field and laboratory experiments, developing and testing innovative methods to investigate plant-soil-microbe interactions, coordinating research activities with a large team of collaborators, mentoring graduate students, supervising undergraduates, writing manuscripts, and presenting at scientific conferences.
The postdoc work with Dr. Adina Howe and will collaborate with other researchers in the CABBI Sustainability, Feedstock Production, and Conversion Themes, including ecosystem modelers, microbial ecologists, and agronomists. The ideal candidate has creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things. The start date is flexible, but ideally by January 2, 2025. The position is available on a year-to-year basis for up to two years, with annual renewal dependent on funding.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Adina Howe at adina@iastate.edu with subject line CABBI Plant-Soil-Microbe postdoc application.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent in microbiology, bioinformatics, ecology, biogeochemistry, soil science, or related field
Experience with processing and analyzing soil metagenomes
Experience with statistical analyses for metagenome datasets
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with large sequencing datasets
Experience with bioinformatics and high performance computing
Experience with laboratory and field research that demonstrates an ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Strong organizational, writing and oral communication skills as demonstrated by scholarly publications
To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) Flexible Spending Accounts Various voluntary benefits and discounts Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing Program
Iowa State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University-Extensive, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. Over 36,000 students are enrolled and served by over 6,200 faculty and staff (see www.iastate.edu). Ames, Iowa is a progressive community of 60,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines, and recently voted the best college town in the nation (see www.visitames.com).
Iowa State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity and strongly encourages applications from all qualified applicants, including women, underrepresented minorities, and veterans. ISU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples, is dedicated to work-life balance through an array of policies, and is an NSF ADVANCE institution.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status and will not be discriminated against.