jobs

by

JOB POST: Another faculty position at UC Berkeley

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, has an opening for an Assistant Professor (tenure track, nine-month appointment) starting July 1, 2014.

We seek a microbial biologist, who will develop a strong extramurally funded, nationally recognized research program in newly emerging areas of microbiology. Areas of particular interest include use of systems and/or synthetic biology approaches to the fundamental aspects of energy production, global geochemical cycles, anaerobic microbiology or marine microbiology. The desirable candidate will be expected to incorporate a broad spectrum of biochemical, computational, genomic, and proteomic technologies in their program linking microbial physiology to environmental function. The minimum qualifications required to be an applicant is the completion of all degree requirements except dissertation or equivalent by time of application. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent by the date of hire, a strong background in experimental microbiology and the ability to contribute to instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and diverse community of microbiologists on the UC Berkeley campus in the Microbial Biology Division (http://pmb.berkeley.edu/), the Graduate Group in Microbiology (http://pmb.berkeley.edu/ggm/faculty) and the UC Berkeley Energy Biosciences Institute (http://www.energybiosciencesinstitute.org).

All reference letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Send questions to pmbsearch@berkeley.edu. For additional information about the Department, the graduate programs and the campus visit http://pmb.berkeley.edu and http://berkeley.edu.

by

JOB POST: Bioinformatician in the Department of Microbiology at Ohio State

The Microbiology Department at The Ohio State University has the following position in which you may be interested.

Title: Research Associate 2-B/H
Department: Microbiology Admin
Posting Number: 378550

Performs analysis and interpretation of high throughput genomic data; develops experimental procedures and analyzes data; translates biological questions into computational goals using existing methods or developing new algorithms and tools when existing methods are inadequate; designs, develops, modifies, tests, evaluates and maintains customized scripting programs for analyzing, preparing, converting biological data (Illumina and other NGS platforms) for import and export; trains and assists research group members in UNIX/Linux methodologies; performs system administration work including interfacing with collocation facility; orders supplies; configures new computers; maintains quality assurance documentation.

If you are interested in this position, you can apply on our employment site at:www.jobsatosu.com

by

JOB POST: Assistant Professor Position at University of Delaware

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware (www.bio.udel.edu) is seeking applications for a Tenure-Track faculty position at the level of Assistant Professor in Prokaryotic Microbiology. Applicants must have a doctoral or equivalent degree, postdoctoral experience, documented evidence of high quality research productivity, and a strong commitment to education and research.

The successful candidate is expected to: 1) develop and maintain a nationally recognized, externally funded research program; 2) train BS, MS and PhD students; and 3) teach undergraduate and graduate level courses. Candidates whose research employs molecular genetics, genomics/metagenomics, molecular and/or cellular microbiology approaches are especially encouraged to apply. Faculty will be provided with a competitive salary and start-up package.

The Department of Biological Sciences has outstanding facilities and support, including a vibrant collaborative research community and consists of 28 faculty members with research interests ranging from molecular biology, genetics, and development biology to cell signaling. The Department graduate program currently has 80 graduate students in its MS/PhD program. The University offers a highly interactive multidisciplinary scientific environment with state-of-the-art core facilities in bioimaging, genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics and other areas (www.dbi.udel.edu/coreinstrumentation.html).

Applicants should visit http://www.udel.edu/udjobs to apply and should carefully read the “Applicant Instructions” under the “Resources for Applicants” tab before submitting their application. Applicants are asked to create and upload a single PDF document that includes: a) a cover letter; b) a statement of current and long-term research plans; c) a concise statement of teaching experience and philosophy; d) a curriculum vitae; and e) names and contact information for three professional references. Any questions can be directed to Tina Fontana (tfontana@udel.edu ) or to Fidelma Boyd (fboyd@udel.edu ), Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716. Review of applications will begin on receipt with a deadline of November 10th for full consideration. 

by

JOB POSTING: Postdoc with Levente Bodrossy’s lab at CSIRO

We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow for our new project on high resolution microbial oceanography at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research in Hobart, Tasmania. 

 In particular we are seeking candidates with experience in analysis and/or annotation of genomic and metagenomic sequence data for metabolically-relevant genes using a range of tools (e.g. IMG, Genemark, Glimmer, megan4 etc). The expertise of the successful candidate will be used to: 

– identify candidate functional marker genes for existing and emerging biogeochemical processes through screening of genomes, metagenomes and metatranscriptomes as well as database mining

– assemble and maintain databases of marker genes

– develop high throughput molecular tools based on marker genes, to interrogate the microbial community involved in key processes 

I have attached the job description and would be grateful if you could post this at your institute and/or pass it on to potential candidates.

The detailed job description and application guideline is also available on CSIRO’s website:  http://csiro.nga.net.au/publicfiles/csiro/jobs/246627b5-95c8-c5be-34a8-76e11665f859/TAS1302761%20Postdoctoral%20Fellow%20Functional%20Genomics.pdf

To apply, please start here: http://csiro.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.jati&returnToEvent=jobs.home&jobID=246627b5-95c8-c5be-34a8-76e11665f859&audienceTypeCode=EXT&UseAudienceTypeLanguage=1

by

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Carbon Cycle Science and Microbial Ecology now open in my group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The Biosciences and Environmental Sciences Divisions, and the Climate Change Science Institute at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (http://www.ornl.gov), are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to support interdisciplinary efforts to understand the effects of climate change on soil biogeochemical and microbiologically driven carbon cycling. The selected candidate will work across linked projects involving a long-term climate change experiment to understand ecosystem-level responses in experimental manipulations of an ombiotrophic bog (peatland) in Minnesota (more information found at http://mnspruce.ornl.gov).  The second project involves complementary lab- and field-scale experiments to improve understanding and modeling of interactions between physical, chemical and biological drivers of soil organic carbon decomposition.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

Design, conduct and interpret laboratory and field based research; lead and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts and proposals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in biology, ecology, microbiology, soil science or a related scientific disciplines, with demonstrated experience and expertise in the research areas related to the above projects. Demonstrated expertise must include a track record of primary contributions to peer-reviewed publications in one or more of the following areas: soil nutrient and carbon cycling, soil biogeochemistry, and molecular microbial ecology.

Qualifications Preferred:  Priority will be given to applicants with a successful history of interdisciplinary, integrative, and innovative research in these areas.  Familiarity with software tools for next generation DNA sequence analysis of rRNA and metagenomic microbial datasets (e.g QIIME) as well as the ability to program and script in R, Python or Perl to customize such analyses would also be preferred.

Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

Official applications will only be accepted via the jobs.ornl.gov site.  However, questions about the position should be directed to schadtcw@ornl.gov and mayesma@ornl.gov.

by

JOB POST: Postdoctoral Fellowships at UTK-NIMBioS

Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications at NIMBioS — Next Deadline: September 1, 2013

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS), located at the Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, is currently accepting applications for postdoctoral scholarship at the interface between mathematics and biology. Highest priority will be given to those with explicit plans to develop their ability to effectively carry on research across these fields. We are particularly interested in requests to support research that integrates diverse fields, requires synthesis at multiple scales, and/or makes use of or requires development of new mathematical/computational approaches. NIMBioS Postdoctoral Fellows are chosen based upon indications that the applicant’s research plans are consistent with the mission of NIMBioS, the applicant has the demonstrated ability to carry out the proposed research, and the opportunities provided through NIMBioS will enhance the capacity for the research to be completed in an efficient and timely manner. Support: annual stipend of $51,000, full University of Tennessee employee fringe benefits, and an annual travel allowance of $2,000. 

How to apply: Complete the online application and submit a brief project description, references, and CV following the guidelines available at http://www.nimbios.org/postdocs/ 

Deadline:  NIMBioS postdoctoral requests for support are reviewed two times per year, and the selected researchers are offered positions at NIMBioS where they conduct research that is mostly self-directed. The deadline for activities beginning in summer/fall 2014 is September 1, 2013 but applications for positions starting later in 2014 are also accepted at this time. All letters of recommendation must be submitted before the request deadline.

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

by

JOB POST: Postdoc position in microbe-mineral interfaces

The Hanson and Chan laboratories at the University of Delaware are seeking motivated geomicrobiologists in training to work at the microbe-mineral interface. Our NSF funded project (award # 1244373) seeks to understand how the phototrophic bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum both produces and consumes extracellular elemental sulfur. This is a new and rapidly developing system in microbe-mineral interactions. The project utilizes (and provides extensive training opportunities in) anaerobic microbial genetics, systems biology, electron microscopy, and nanoscale geochemical analysis methods. Our laboratories are located at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (www.dbi.udel.edu), the newly constructed Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Laboratory (www.udel.edu/iselab/), and we will make extensive use of advanced capabilities in UD’s BioImaging center (bioimaging.dbi.udel.edu). UD offers a number of programs for professional development and networking specifically targeted at postdoctoral researchers. We are committed to providing an environment where enthusiastic and talented postdoctoral researchers can advance their careers. 

Tom Hanson (tehanson@udel.edu)

Clara Chan (cschan@udel.edu) 

by

Job Post: Ph.D.-positions in Biodiversity Research (Netherlands Institute of Ecology)

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) funds a large-scale grassland project “The Jena Experiment” (www.the-jena-experiment.de) on the relationship between Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (Grant FOR 1451). On a 10ha field site in Jena, more than 470 grassland plots have been established where plant diversity is manipulated to measure the effect of diversity on multi-trophic interactions and nutrient cycling. Applications are sought for the following position:

Ph.D. position (PhD-TE-013060) – A short description of the position is given below.

The project is an international collaborative research effort of 11 universities and research institutes in Germany, three universities in Switzerland, two in The Netherlands as well as universities and research institutes in Austria, France and Canada. All Ph.D.-students will benefit from an already existing experimental set up and the interaction with other PhDs and researchers in an international research team. The ability to speak and write German will be appreciated but is not indispensable for candidates fluent in English. A full description of the project and more details about the positions can be found under: www.the-jena-experiment.de

Selection of applicants starts 10. April 2013 and continues until positions are filled. Starting dates depend on the position on offer. Applications – in a single pdf-file only – should be sent to the addresses given below.

Ph.D.-positions in Soil/Plant Ecology

We offer a PhD position in Wageningen at the department of Terrestrial Ecology at The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW, Prof. Wim van der Putten), in close collaboration with the Soil Quality department at Wageningen University (Dr. Gerlinde De Deyn) and the department of Ecology and Biodiversity at Utrecht University (Prof. George Kowalchuk).

The research focuses on the role of plant-soil feedbacks in the relation between plant (trait) diversity and ecosystem functioning. Plant species influence the composition of soil biota and these influences have feedback effects to the role of plant species in plant communities and the ecosystem processes that emerge from these communities. Previous research has shown that plant species differ in the strength and direction of plant-soil feedback. However, the roles of different soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) have yet to be elucidated.  In the present project, you will relate the composition of soil microorganisms to plant traits in plant communities and consequent ecosystem functioning. We intend to investigate to what extent plant species create specific rhizosphere communities and how these communities differentially impact on plant growth. Candidates should have a MSc degree in soil biology/ecology, microbiology or plant ecology. We are looking for candidates with:

  • good ability to think conceptually and quantitatively
  • good knowledge of plant-soil (biotic) interactions
  • experience with working with soil organisms
  • affinity with state-of-the art soil molecular biological techniques
  • excellent ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing
  • experience with writing scientific papers is highly appreciated
  • good organisational skills and ability to work independently
  • ability to work in multidisciplinary research teams

Contact: Dr. Gerlinde De Deyn, Dept. of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands. Email: gerlinde.dedeyn@wur.nl

Applications: Please send your application with vacancy number (PhD-TE-013060), including a cover letter detailing your motivation for and expectations from this position, your CV including a summary of your past research, and contact information for three references to vacature@nioo.knaw.nl. The closing date is 10th of April 2013.

by

Job Post: Two Postdoctoral Positions in Australia with Ian Anderson and Jeff Powell

Ref 114/13 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Eucalypt – Fungal Associations, Hawkesbury Institute for the Enivronment 

For a position description and application instructions, go to: 

http://bit.ly/XJzE0D

This is an exciting opportunity to undertake research related to an Australian Research Council Discovery (ARCD) grant (‘Switching partners: a driving force for tree productivity in a changing environment?’). Many eucalypts form mycorrhizal associations with two different and diverse groups of fungi, a trait shared by only a few ecologically and economically significant tree species. While each of these groups of fungi are important contributors to global primary productivity, the benefits that trees derive from these dual associations are not fully known. This research will explain the basis for this diversity and determine whether trees will make greater demands of their partners in future climates.

Applicants should have expertise within the broad areas of plant-microbe associations, molecular microbial ecology, soil science, or related fields. A background in the generation and analysis of next-generation sequence data will also be well regarded.

This is a full time, fixed term (2.5 years) appointment based at our Hawkesbury campus.

Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $91,289 to $96,851 p.a. (comprising Salary $77,140 to $81,840 p.a., plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Dr Jeff Powell, +61 (0) 2 4570 1093 jeff.powell@uws.edu.au
Closing Date: 21 March 2013

__________________________________________

Ref 161/13 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant-Fungal Associations, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

For a position description and application instructions, go to:  

http://bit.ly/XlK7mL

This is an exciting opportunity to undertake research related to an Australian Research Council Discovery (ARCD) grant (Plant : fungal symbioses in Australian forests – new perspectives using laser microdissection). The main goal of this project is to understand the importance of interactions between basidiomycete fungi and the roots of understorey Ericaceae shrubs, and determine the potential for these fungi to form mycelial linkages between the understorey shrubs and overstorey trees in Australian forests.

The successful applicant will have experience in the use of microscopy and/or molecular microbial ecology technigues in studying plant:microbe associations.

This is a full time, fixed term (2 years) appointment based at our HAwkesbury campus.

Remuneration Package: Academic Level A $91,289 to $96,851 p.a. (comprising Salary $77,140 to $81,840 p.a., plus 17% Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Professor Ian Anderson, Director of Research, +61 (0) 4570 1993 or  i.anderson@uws.edu.au
Closing Date: 21 March 2013

by

Job Post: Mycology postdoc with Andrew Miller and Illinois Natural History Survey

The Illinois Natural History Survey is offering a competitive Post Doctoral Research Associate position for 2 years
which includes a generous salary, benefits, funds for research expenses, and the opportunity to live in glorious East-Central Illinois. Research in Mycology that would add new directions and build on my lab’s strengths include endophytes and environmental sampling, although I am open to additional suggestions. Applications are due March 15, 2013. Please contact Dr. Andrew Miller (amiller@inhs.illinois.edu) if you are interested to discuss this position further.

Please see the position announcement at:
http://wwx.inhs.illinois.edu/opportunities/post-doctoral/postdoc-sponsors/