Postdoctoral Scholar in Soil Microbial Ecology

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Postdoctoral benefits

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a researcher to contribute to an interdisciplinary project on biocrust microbial communities under environmental change. The role involves designing and executing lab, field, and mesocosm experiments and applying diverse molecular and computational approaches to advance the project goals.

The successful candidate will collaborate with students and project partners, mentor students, and contribute to outreach activities while developing a long-term research

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 biocrust microbial communities under environmental change.
• Design and conduct laboratory, field, and mesocosm experiments.
• Apply molecular, microbiological, imaging, physiological, computational, and omics approaches.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and contribute to publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with students, staff, and project partners.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to educational and outreach activities.
• Tailor responsibilities to interests and project needs.

Skills

Environmental microbiology

Microbial ecology

Soil science

Quantitative skills

Communication

Job description

Key Responsibilities

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

• 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.
• Because this is a broad and interdisciplinary project, specific responsibilities will be tailored to the interests, expertise, and career goals of the successful candidate.
• Opportunities may include microbial ecology, bioinformatics, microbial physiology, microscopy and image analysis, microfluidics and SoilChip development, field ecology, carbon cycle research, mentoring, and science outreach.
• The successful candidate will work closely with the PI to develop a research program that both advances project goals and supports their long-term professional development.

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.

Desired Attributes

• A generous team member dedicated to fostering collaboration and building communities.
• A curious mind with a strong drive for advancing research in the field.

Application

Application Candidates should apply online at https://hr.psu.edu/careers and should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for two references.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Values

Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

One Community. Impacting Many.