Postdoctoral Research Associate, Microbial Ecology Lab

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

All About You

The Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory at Saint Louis University is looking for a creative post-doctoral scientist with strong background in soil microbiome and metagenomics to join an interdisciplinary team working on the soil nitrogen cycling and N 2 O emissions in different ecosystems (e.g., agricultural soils and/or grassland, forestry). This is a potential 3-year funded position.

Responsibilities : This researcher will assist the research team in conducting soil sampling and greenhouse gas measurements in the field and assess soil microbiological processes associated with nitrogen cycling/N 2 O emissions. The major tasks of this position will include but not limited:

• Perform N 2 O flux measurements in agricultural soils and/or grassland, forestry.
• Determine the net and potential nitrification/denitrification rates in soils.
• Quantify the changes in the soil microbial community, paying specific attention to members carrying genes associated with the process of nitrification/denitrification. The molecular method (qPCR/metagenomics) will quantify denitrifiers using the functional genes nirK, nirS, and nosZ as proxies of community structure.
• Conduct metagenomic//metatranscriptomic analysis and training/mentor graduate students in the laboratory

Qualifications : Applicants should have the following qualifications to be considered:
1) PhD in microbial ecology, soils and biogeochemistry, microbiology or related field.
2) Experience in molecular biology, 16S rRNA and functional gene high throughput sequencing.
3) Evidence of scientific productivity in the form of peer-reviewed publications related to microbial N cycling, and/or metagenomic analysis is required.
4) Evidence of excellency in communicating science.
5) Ability to take a leadership role for specific components of the project associated with soil sampling, processing, and analyses of metagenomic samples and ability to work independently as well as a productive member of a team.

Salary and Benefits : Salary is commensurate with experience. Health insurance benefits are provided. The appointment is for 1 year with the possibility of extension for an additional year pending satisfactory progress.

Application Deadline : This position will be open until filled.

Application : Interested applicants should send (1) a cover letter detailing the applicant’s research experience and starting date availability, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) name, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references to Dr. Laibin Huang ([email protected]). Please, include the following in the subject line of the e-mail: “Your Last Name - PD Application.”

For more career options and details please visit:
https://slu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers

Equal opportunity/affirmative action Statement : Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans,
and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodation is needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.

Function

Research Support

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.