We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in projects exploring plant-soil interactions, litter decomposition, home-field advantage, or coupled C & N dynamics. In this position, you will help design and lead two new projects exploring patterns and processes linking microbial community traits and ecosystem function. Experience with stable isotopes, extracellular enzyme activity assays, and measuring soil and microbial C and N cycling is preferred. The position is through the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst where you will join a growing and diverse group of faculty and researchers interested in soils. This is a 1-year funded position, with possibility of renewal.
Qualifications: We are searching for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in soil ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, or related fields. The candidate should understand ecosystem biogeochemical processes, including C & N cycling. The candidate should have experience measuring soil C & N pools and fluxes, and excellent skills in analyzing research data (e.g. R). Candidates should be comfortable working independently, but also be able to communicate effectively with project collaborators. The candidate should have a strong work ethic, creative problem-solving skills, and be able to demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills.
Responsibilities: The candidate will design and implement new projects. The candidate will synthesize and analyze existing and new project data. The candidate is expected to communicate research results within the research group, through conference presentations and in peer-reviewed journal articles. The candidate will develop a career mentoring plan with Dr. Keiser and will contribute to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter indicating how your background and skill set would fit with our research and the position via email to Ashley Keiser (akeiser@umass.edu). Please include the contact information for three people who can write a letter of reference at the end of your CV. Letters will be requested for finalists.
Review of applicants will begin September 2nd and may continue until the ideal candidate is identified.