[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Research Associate I, environmental microbiology, Biosphere 2, University of Arizona

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

https://uacareers.com/postings/35024

 


Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate I


Department

Biosphere 2 (1306)


Location

Main Campus


Position Summary

Biosphere 2 is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate I. We are
seeking an early-career researcher to join an interdisciplinary science team
at the University of Arizona as a Biosphere 2 Postdoctoral Scholar with
expertise in environmental microbiology with bioinformatics and computer
programming skills and an interest in functional gene annotation of soil
microbial communities. The postdoctoral researcher will be willing to learn
new techniques and approaches for characterizing soil and pore water organic
matter (metabolites) and linking these data to metagenome analysis. An
understanding of soil chemistry (including the use of isotopic tracers) and
analysis of multi-omics data are desirable.

The position is a 2-year postdoctoral appointment (contingent on funding and
performance) under the supervision of Assistant Professors Malak Tfaily and
Laura Meredith and Biosphere 2 Science Director Peter Troch.

Research will focus on the metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and soil
organic matter characterization of multiple terrestrial field sites
(including the Biosphere 2 Tropical Rain Forest and Landscape Evolution
Observatory) and laboratory microcosm studies. Research will emphasize the
integration of multi-omics data with other biogeochemical measurements to
understand, at the molecular level, the role plants and microbes play on
carbon mineralization and stabilization and greenhouse gas emissions. We
seek a candidate with the passion and desire to contribute to the renewed
emphasis on large-scale experimentation in the Biosphere 2 Tropical
Rainforest. 
The candidate should have excellent communication skills with a strong
interest in multi-disciplinary, collaborative research, with the willingness
and ability to work independently when required. We require someone with
strong data analysis and statistical skills.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills by
their proven published record of research across one or more of these areas
and will hold a doctoral degree in a related field.

As a Biosphere 2 Postdoctoral Scholar, the ideal candidate will have a
strong interest in applying new approaches and knowledge to address critical
environmental questions and science problems associated with ecosystem
responses to global climate change.

Biosphere 2 is one of the world's most unique facilities dedicated to the
research and understanding of global scientific issues. The Biosphere 2
facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena
for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of
public education. Its mission is to serve as a center for research,
outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems,
and its place in the universe; to catalyze interdisciplinary thinking and
understanding about Earth and its future; to be an adaptive tool for Earth
education and outreach to industry, government, and the public; and to
distill issues related to Earth systems planning and management for use by
policymakers, students and the public.

With more than $622 million in research and development dollars from
federal, state, and private sources, The University of Arizona currently
ranks #23 among public universities in the US in overall research
expenditures and #6 in physical science research. With world class faculty
in fields as diverse as astronomy and space exploration, plant science,
biomedical science and biotechnology, anthropology, Native peoples,
business, law, philosophy, music, and dance, the UA is one of only 62
members in the Association of American Universities. The University's main
campus is situated in the heart of Tucson. Surrounded by mountains and the
high Sonoran Desert, Tucson boasts a distinctive southwestern feel and
enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year.

The UA today has over 43,000 students, and nearly 15,600 employees. The main
campus has grown from its original 40 acres to more than 350 acres, and
boasts the oldest continually maintained green space in Arizona. The
University of Arizona offers a broad range of educational programs and
support services that attract an excellent and diverse student body. The
University of Arizona has earned the designation of Hispanic-Serving
Institution from the U.S. Department of Education for our success in the
enrollment of Hispanic students.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans;
life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and
holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family
members; activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been listed by Forbes as one of America's Best
Employers in the United States and WorldatWork and the Arizona Department of
Health Services have recognized us for our innovative work-life programs.
For more information about working at the University of Arizona, please
<http://www.whyua.arizona.edu/> click here.


Duties & Responsibilities

. Laboratory management responsibilities 
. Working with staff to ensure continuous data collection. 
. Will have the opportunity to mentor students as appropriate. 
. Will work in and across interdisciplinary teams to communicate findings in
the peer-reviewed literature and at national and international conferences.
. Will contribute to the educational/outreach mission of Biosphere 2 as
appropriate. 
. Additional duties may be assigned


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

. Ability to multi-task and deal with challenging situations.
. Willingness to have flexible schedule (Position requires weekend and
holiday hours).


Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have received a PhD at date of hire.


Preferred Qualifications

. Experience working with environmental samples. The ideal candidate will
have experience in laboratory techniques and field sampling.
. Demonstrated ability to handle and analyze diverse types of datasets
(including high-dimensional omics data) using contemporary scripting
languages such as R, MATLAB, and/or Python.
. Experience and willingness to work in diverse and potentially remote field
settings, though the emphasis is on laboratory research.
. Previous responsibility for developing novel tools to analyze soil organic
matter composition and multi-omics data from different ecosystems, linking
genomic function to carbon metabolism and warming, while also incorporating
and improving existing state-of-the-art tools
. Strong written and oral communication skills with significant motivation
to publish in the peer reviewed literature.
. Passion for the mission of the University of Arizona Biosphere 2.


FLSA

Exempt


Full Time/Part Time

Full Time


Number of Hours Worked per Week

40


Job Category

Postdoctoral Research


Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits


Posted Rate of Pay

$47,659 Annually


Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

 

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