Postdoc Explorer: Dryland Soil Microbiomes Research

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Soil Microbiomes Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance the NSF CAREER project on biocrust microbiomes in arid lands. You will design experiments, apply molecular, imaging, and omics approaches, and contribute to mentoring students and project outreach.

The ideal candidate has strong background in environmental microbiology or soil science, excellent quantitative skills, and a track record of independent research and publications.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, soil science, or related disciplines.
• Strong quantitative, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scientific results.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research investigating the response of biocrust microbial communities to environmental change in arid and semi-arid ecosystems.
• Design and conduct laboratory, field, and/or mesocosm experiments.
• Apply molecular, microbiological, imaging, physiological, computational, and omics approaches as appropriate to the candidate’s interests and expertise.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with students, staff, and national and international project partners.
• Participate in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to educational and outreach activities.

Skills

Environmental microbiology

Microbial ecology

Soil science

Quantitative skills

Independent research

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Penn State University’s Soil Microbiomes Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance the NSF CAREER project on biocrust microbiomes in arid lands. You will design experiments, apply molecular, imaging, and omics approaches, and contribute to mentoring students and project outreach.

The ideal candidate has strong background in environmental microbiology or soil science, excellent quantitative skills, and a track record of independent research and publications.