[ES_JOBS_NET] Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Assistant Project Scientist UC Davis

[Erika Marin-Spiotta]

Job #JPF03924
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03924
RECRUITMENT PERIOD

*Open date: *December 4th, 2020

*Next review date:* Thursday, Dec 17, 2020 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

*Final date: *Wednesday, Mar 31, 2021 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those
received after the review date will only be considered if the position has
not yet been filled.
DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Project Scientist to assess N cycling and acquisition as a
function of plant driven shifts in nutrient allocations and plant-microbe
interactions in the grass rhizosphere. This five-year project aims to
better understand the dynamics of N cycling and uptake and especially how
plant functional traits, including exudate chemistry, can enable
structuring of rhizosphere communities that increase nitrogen
use-efficiency in organic and low fertility systems. The selected appointee
will coordinate all aspects of research and work independently under the
general guidance of PI Gaudin. Primary activities will include:

Development of an iterative pipeline for field testing of grass genotypes
and microbial amendments developed in controlled and in silico environments.
Generate and publish quantitative data characterizing impacts of plant and
rhizosphere microbial traits on productivity and N cycling and acquisition
in agricultural systems.
Work in close collaboration with modelers and microbiologists at UC San
Diego and the LBNL to support the development of the first genome-scale
computational model of the grass rhizosphere.
Participate in general management of the Gaudin Lab and mentor
undergraduate and graduate students.
Basic Qualifications

Doctoral degree in Plant Sciences, Microbial Ecology, Soil Biogeochemistry
or related fields.
Experience with methods for rhizosphere research including molecular
biology and use of isotopes to quantify N flows between soil, plants and
microbes
Evidence of peer reviewed publications
Experience with quantitative ecology, statistical tools (R) and data
visualization skills.
Ability to think critically to troubleshoot problems in field experiments
and work both independently and as part of a diverse team (multiple PIs
across institutions)
Preferred Qualifications

Interest in agricultural ecology and plant and soil approaches to
developing more sustainable and resilient cropping systems
Strong organizational and oral communication skills to share data and
results with staff and colleagues.
Ability to develop productive, collaborative, inclusive, and equitable
relationships with team members and other project stakeholders
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
I. RESEARCH (90%)
Research activity (60%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative
development of an active research program investigating plant drivers of
plant-soil microbe interactions, and the impacts on N cycling, acquisition
and use-efficiency in field environments. The candidate will join a diverse
research team and will be expected to determine research goals in
consultation with Principal Investigators and based on mechanistic
understanding of these interactions. He/she/they will select and implement
appropriate methods and techniques, supervise students, trouble-shoot
problems, interpret results, and plan follow-up experiments in an iterative
manner.
Publication (25%)
The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals,
books, and other outlets either independently or in collaboration with PI
and other members of the research team.
Grant Acquisition (5%)
This project is funded for five years and will not require extensive grant
writing. Nevertheless, when opportunity arise, the candidate will assist in
developing and acquiring funding from federal and state agencies and other
funding organizations. The candidate will assist in the preparation of
reports as required by the granting agency, interact with funding agencies,
and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at
seminars, laboratory meetings, or educational functions. The candidate will
participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to
his/her/their specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research
proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will
attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations
to public and professional interest groups.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
The candidate will engage in public outreach activities that include
presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing
relevant advice to individuals and public agencies. The candidate will also
engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and
committee service. Teaching classroom courses is not an expectation of this
position.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected
veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination
and affirmative action policy see: [
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct]

-- 
Prof. Erika Marín-Spiotta
Biogeography and Biogeochemistry Research Group
Department of Geography
University of Wisconsin-Madison
550 North Park St
Madison, WI 53706
marinspiotta at wisc.edu
Pronouns used: she/her/hers
Office/Lab: Science Hall 223/230
Lab phone: 608-262-1855
Biogeolab website: marinspiotta.wordpress.com
ADVANCEGeo Partnership <https://serc.carleton.edu/advancegeo>: Empowering
geoscientists to transform workplace climate

*Note**:* While I sometimes send email outside of regular business hours, I
do not expect the same from others.

*The UW–Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land, a place their nation has
called Teejop (day-JOPE) since time immemorial.*
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