[ES_JOBS_NET] Research Specialist Job Opening at University of Illinois

[Erika Marín-Spiotta]

Date:    Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:01:14 -0500
From:    "Wendy H. Yang" <wyang at LIFE.ILLINOIS.EDU>
Subject: Research Specialist Job Opening at University of Illinois

The Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) seeks a full time field research specialist in the
Global Change Ecology and Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry lab to work on
related projects funded by the USDA and NSF. The overall goal of the USDA
project is to determine the environmental and genetic potential for
dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) to occur in Midwest
agricultural soils under various management practices (e.g., perennial
versus annual crop, fertilization, etc.). The overall goal of the NSF
project is to improve mechanistic understanding of when, where, and why
DNRA is an important nitrogen transformation process in upland,
terrestrial ecosystems. Both projects utilize state-of-the-art stable
isotope and molecular techniques, with the USDA project including
fieldwork on local UIUC research farms and the NSF project focusing on
laboratory experiments with soils collected from across the NSF Critical
Zone Observatory network.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Major responsibilities in the field include the following:
•       Sample soil pore water and trace gas fluxes
•       Collect soil samples for laboratory experiments

Major responsibilities in the laboratory include the following:
•       Analyze soil, gas, and water samples
•       Prepare reagents
•       Conduct stable isotope pool dilution and tracer experiments
•       Extract DNA and RNA from soils
•       Maintain laboratory instrumentation related to this project
(including a
gas chromatograph and isotope ration mass spectrometer interfaced with a
trace gas analyzer and elemental analyzer)
•       Purchase and receive chemicals and scientific supplies related to
this
project
•       May assist with data compilation and analysis
•       Supervise undergraduate students assisting with this project
including,
but not limited to: Scheduling student hours; delegating tasks to
students; serving as point-person for students' questions in lab; and
ensuring quality of student work.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
•       Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or
related field
•       Prior field and laboratory experience in ecology
•       Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel)

Preferred:
•       Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to
biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, wet
chemistry, gas chromatography) and molecular biology (e.g., DNA
extraction, RNA extraction, PCR, Illumina sequencing, bioinformatics)

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a full-time, academic professional position appointed on a
12-month service basis. The expected start date is a soon as possible
after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing
date; however no hiring decision will be made until after that date.
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION
To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile through
http://go.illinois.edu/FieldRschSpec and upload your cover letter
detailing qualifications noted above and resume by September 7, 2017.
Online application will require the names and contact information,
including email addresses, for three professional references. Full
consideration will be given to complete applications received by the
closing date. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background
checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

For further information, please contact: Jana Lenz at janalenz at illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action
employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities
are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit
http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s
commitment to diversity, please visit
http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendy H. Yang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Departments of Plant Biology and Geology
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
265 Morrill Hall
505 S Goodwin Ave
Urbana, IL 61801

Lab/Office: 639 Morrill Hall
Office phone: 217-244-2614
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