[ES_JOBS_NET] stable isotopes in ecology and biogeochemistry postdoc

[Becca Barnes]

If you have any questions about the following announcement feel free to
contact me (becca.barnes at gmail.com) or Gabe Bowen (gabe.bowen at utah.edu).

The stable isotope ecology and biogeochemistry group at the University of
Utah is soliciting applications for new postdoctoral research associates;
positions are immediately available to work with our interdisciplinary
team. We are looking for creative, independently motivated scientists who
would contribute to projects in one or more of the following areas:


1) Nitrogen balance within mixed-use catchments. Wildland catchments are
commonly observed to act as buffers in the cycling of nitrogen, exporting
limited nitrogen loads even in areas where anthropogenic activity has led
to high levels of atmospheric deposition. This project will build on
regional monitoring data and site-based mechanistic studies to develop
nitrogen budgets for catchments draining the Wasatch Mountains (Utah) into
the Jordan River Valley.  Research will focus on identifying mechanisms
linking anthropogenic deposition in the wildland headwaters with catchment
biogeochemistry, from the headwaters through the highly urbanized
tailwaters of these streams.


2) Analyses of the isotopic composition of CO2 in urban and wildland
ecosystems. Long-term observations of CO2concentrations and isotopic
composition reveal significant CO2 sources from heterogoenous landscapes as
well as changes in ecosystem carbon dynamics over time. Complementing these
observations are highly resolved spatial and temporal urban emissions data
(Hestia). This project will build on a local flask sampling network,
decadal-scale observations of CO2concentrations, and real-time, high
resolution measurements of the isotopic composition of CO2 from both
stationary measurements and vehicular sampling.  This dense network of
CO2 observations
has enormous potential for advancing our mechanistic understanding of
carbon dynamics along urban to rural gradients.


3) Integration of landscape-level heterogeneity in the H and O isotopic
composition of heterotroph tissues. Field studies designed to develop the
application of H and/or O isotopes in migration research routinely reveal
large ranges of isotopic variation among individuals, and despite its
significant contribution to uncertainty in migration applications our
understanding of the origin of this variation is limited. This study will
leverage modeling and regional field sampling to identify processes that
control inter-individual variance in the light stable isotope composition
of consumers, advancing migration research applications and improving our
understanding of H and O flow and isotopic fractionation within food webs.


Each project will benefit from partnerships and infrastructure available
through the iUTAH EPSCoR program (http://iutahepscor.org/) and the
Interuniversity Training for Continental-scale Ecology Macrosystems biology
project (https://itce.utah.edu/). The newly recruited researchers will have
access to world-class aquatic and atmospheric biogeochemistry and isotope
geochemistry laboratory facilities at the University of Utah (
http://sirfer.utah.edu/).

Review of applications will begin immediately and the positions will remain
open until filled.


The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer
and is committed to diversity in its workforce. In compliance with
applicable federal and state laws, University of Utah policy of equal
employment opportunity prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or
ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation,
gender identity/expression, veteran’s status, status as a qualified person
with a disability, or genetic information. Individuals from
historically underrepresented
groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and
protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference
is extended to applicants, consistent with University policy and Utah state
law.


The University of Utah is a comprehensive and diverse Research I public
institution located in the Wasatch Front urban corridor with easy access to
research and recreational opportunities in the Rocky Mountains, Great
Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Salt Lake City is a dynamic, high-tech and
bike-friendly metropolitan area with high-quality cultural and
entertainment amenities, an extensive public transit system, and a sunny,
dry four-season climate and “the Greatest Snow on Earth”.

-- 
*Rebecca Barnes*
Assistant Professor
Environmental Program
Colorado College
719-389-7466
http://sites.coloradocollege.edu/rebeccabarnes/
<http://beccabarnes.wordpress.com/>
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