|
Contact
us to post your job listing here!
Ph.D. Opportunities in Molecular
Geomicrobiology of the Deep Biosphere at East Carolina University
 Ph.D.
opportunities are available in molecular geomicrobiology of
the deep biosphere in the lab of Matt Schrenk at East Carolina
University (North Carolina, USA). The research involves the
characterization of high pH (>10), hydrogen and methane-rich
ecosystems associated with the serpentinization of ultramafic
rocks from the deep Earth and involves multi-disciplinary,
international research projects in Canada, Italy, and California.
These projects focus on advancing our understanding of the
ecology and evolution of microbial communities in the deep
biosphere using both molecular and culture-based approaches.
Research combines bioinformatics analyses of (meta-) genomic
and transcriptomic data with field work and laboratory characterization
of novel extremophiles.
Applicants with a background in Biology, Earth Sciences,
Oceanography, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Applications for the Ph.D. program in Biology at ECU are due
April 1, 2012 (http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/idpbs/admission.cfm).
Please contact Matt Schrenk (schrenkm@ecu.edu) for further
information. Posted January 2012.
Postdoctoral Positions for the
Deep Life Initiative of the Deep Carbon Observatory
 The
Deep Life Directorate of the Deep Carbon Observatory (sponsored
by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation) will investigate the microbiology
of the rock-hosted subsurface biosphere. The Directorate seeks
candidates for multiple Postdoctoral positions to work within
this cooperative framework. High Pressure Microbiology:
Developing experimental approaches that will provide
novel piezophilic cultivars whose activities can be investigated
under in situ pressure-temperature conditions; a joint project
between Isabelle Daniel’s Lab at the Université
Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France) and Doug Bartlett’s lab
at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, CA
(USA). Molecular Geomicrobiology: Linking
stable isotope based approaches with metagenomic and transcriptomic
studies of microbial metabolism of specific carbon compounds;
Matt Schrenk’s lab at East Carolina University (North
Carolina, USA) with collaborators at the Marine Biological
Laboratory (J. Huber). Hydrothermal Vent Microbiology:
Analysis of samples from the Mid Cayman Spreading
Center, Earth’s deepest mid-ocean ridge, with an emphasis
on using next generation sequencing tools to determine microbial
community structure and functional repertoire at the site;
Julie Huber’s lab at the Marine Biological Laboratory
(Woods Hole, MA). Deep Subsurface Microbial Biogeography
and Evolutionary Processes: Two positions applying
single cell genomic analyses to subsurface communities sampled
from deep boreholes and mine sites located in Finland, Canada
and South Africa; University of the Free State (Bloemfontein,
South Africa) and Princeton University (Princeton, NJ, USA)
and also time at the Single Cell Genomics Center at the Bigelow
Laboratory for Ocean Sciences (Maine, USA). [More]
For any of the positions please submit three items to the
appropriate contact listed below: (i) a cover letter describing
your research goals and your specific motivation to join the
project, (ii) a CV, and (iii) contact information for three
references, including your Ph.D. supervisor.
- High Pressure Microbiology position:
Prof. Isabelle Daniel (isabelle.daniel@univ-lyon1.fr)
- Molecular Geomicrobiology position:
Matt Schrenk (schrenkm@ecu.edu)
- Hydrothermal Vent Microbiology position:
Julie Huber (jhuber@mbl.edu)
- Deep Subsurface Microbial Biogeography:
T.C. Onstott (tullis@princeton.edu)
Applications should be received by March 1, 2012, but will
be considered on an ongoing basis. Posted January 2012.
M.S. Position in Environmental
Chemistry at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental
Science (UMCES)
 We
invite applications from talented and highly motivated students
interested in pursuing a M.S. degree in Environmental Chemistry.
As part of the ECOGIG (Ecosystem impacts of oil and gas inputs
to the Gulf) consortium, the successful applicant will participate
in a collaborative project to study the long-term impacts
of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill on deep-water sedimentary
microbial communities. [More]
Applicants are expected to hold a B.S. in Chemistry or Biology,
or other related field, and start in the fall of 2012. The
prospective students must be admitted to the University of
Maryland Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES) program
and will conduct research at the UMCES Chesapeake Biological
Laboratory under the direction of Dr. Laura Lapham. For more
information, please send an email with “student opportunity”
in the subject line to Laura Lapham (lapham@umces.edu) and
include a short statement of interest, a CV, list of courses
taken, and contact information for 3 references. The deadline
for the MEES program applications is February 1, 2012. Posted
January 2012.
Postdoctoral Research Associates
and Graduate Student Positions in Biogeochemistry and Microbial
Molecular Ecology at the University of Georgia
 The
Joye Group at the University of Georgia invites applications
for two postdoctoral researchers and a graduate student in
the areas of extreme biogeochemistry and molecular microbial
ecology. The selected individuals will employ biogeochemical
and molecular tools to characterize brine and oil-influenced
habitats in Antarctica (former) and the Gulf of Mexico (latter).
The selected individuals will characterize habitats using
a range of geochemical techniques, quantify rates of microbial
activity using radiotracer and stable isotopic approaches,
and determine microbial community structure using techniques
such as FISH, CARD-FISH, MICRO-FISH, and SIP. Interested candidates
should be highly motivated, organized, independent, and have
extensive experience using the tools of biogeochemistry and/or
molecular microbiology. The projects supporting these positions
require 1-2 months per year at sea or in the field. [More]
The postdoctoral positions are funded by extramural research
grants; salary will be commensurate with experience and the
appointment is limited (initially for 1 year and renewable
for up to three years). The PhD position is also grant funded
and includes benefits and a tuition waiver. Applicants for
the positions should send a curriculum vitae, a statement
of research interests and career goals, and the names and
addresses of three academic references to: Dr. Mandy Joye
(mjoye@uga.edu), Department of Marine Sciences, University
of Georgia, Athens, GA. Applications received by December
15, 2011 will receive full consideration. Posted November
2011.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
in C-DEBI Laboratory at the University of Southern California
 The
USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations laboratory
of Dr. Katrina Edwards at the University of Southern California
(earth.usc.edu/~kje/) is seeking highly-motivated, self-driven
scientists to conduct postdoctoral research related to objectives
of the Center for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations. Do
you have an interest in the marine deep biosphere, hydrothermal
systems, and other exciting geomicrobiology investigations
at the bottom of the ocean? Are you looking for a postdoctoral
position that will allow you to combine state-of-the-art molecular
biology, microscopy, biogeochemistry techniques and observatory
science/field work to study cutting edge research questions?
Opportunities are available for conducting metagenomic, proteomic,
and single cell isolation research with environmental samples.
[More]
Candidates should have experience with molecular biology
techniques such as DNA sequencing with environmental materials
- experience with (meta)genomic analysis and next generation
sequencing techniques a plus. Working knowledge of epifluorescence,
confocal laser scanning, or laser microdissection microscopy
desired. Familiarity with geochemical techniques and field
oceanographic experience a plus. Interested applicants should
send a statement of research objectives, a CV, and a list
of three references to kje@usc.edu and apply through the USC
website listed above for requisition 010161. Posted October
2011.
Assistant Professor in Microbial
Ecology at the University of Illinois at Chicago
 The
Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois
at Chicago invites applications for an assistant professor
level position effective August 16, 2012. We are interested
in candidates who use experimental modern molecular techniques,
including genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics,
to address the functional ecology of microorganisms including,
but not limited to, microbial controls of nutrient cycling,
community and/or population ecology of microbes, microbial
diversity, phylogeny, and microbial processes and interactions
in complex systems including urban environments. The successful
candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded,
and collaborative research laboratory that strengthens the
current programs within the department and across campus.
[More]
Applicants must have a Ph.D., significant postdoctoral experience,
and a demonstrated record of research accomplishments. For
fullest consideration, candidates must complete an on-line
application and submit a CV, research and teaching statements,
and the names and email addresses of 3 references by November
18, 2011. Posted October 2011.
Campus Alberta Innovation Chairs
at the University of Calgary: Biotechnological Applications
of the Deep Biosphere Metagenome and Reservoir Biogeoscience
 We
are proposing Chairs in the theme of Energy and the Environment
that will enhance Alberta's innovation potential at the intersection
of geosciences, biology and biotechnology, and material sciences.
A Chair in Reservoir Biogeoscience will research how molecular
and microbial processes can be used in earth's deep subsurface
rocks (the "deep biosphere") to extract energy supplies
with a reduced carbon footprint. A complementary second Chair
in biogeosciences also examines earth's subsurface microbial
organisms, with a focus instead on application and innovations
in specialty chemical production, biosensors, and antibiotics.
Combining naturally occurring microbes with the ability to
genetically engineer them to more efficiently recover energy
with less environmental impact will place Alberta at the forefront
of innovative science and commercial applications. These two
biogeoscience chairs will be held at the University of Calgary,
and will build upon considerable research depth there and
at the University of Alberta in microbial ecology and genetic
engineering of microbes for commercial application. [More]
Contact Steve Larter (slarter@ucalgary.ca) for more information.
Applications, including a statement of research interest,
curriculum vitae and the names of three referees, should be
submitted before October 31, 2011. The competition will remain
open until suitable candidates are appointed. Posted October
2011.
Ph.D. Opportunities in Permafrost,
Sub-Glacial and Terrestrial Deep Biosphere Microbial Ecology
at Princeton University
 PhD
opportunities are available in the Geomicrobiology research
group at Princeton University’s Department of Geosciences.
The research involves multidisciplinary, international research
projects in the Canadian High Arctic, Greenland and South
Africa. These projects focus on delineation of the carbon
trophic pathways in terrestrial subsurface environments. The
projects combine molecular and geochemical analyses with C
and H stable isotopes and 14C analyses of dissolved hydrocarbons,
inorganic carbon and organic acids, C and H stable isotope
and 14C analyses of lipids, stable isotope probes, SIP, of
the 16S rRNA, 14C isotope microarrays, characterization of
the DOC and CRDS isotope analyses of trace gases. [More]
If you are interested in applying, contact T.C. Onstott (tullis@princeton.edu)
and visit the Graduate School Website. Deadline for all Princeton
University Graduate School Applications: December 31, 2011.
Posted October 2011.
Postdoctoral Position in Microbial
Ecology at the Desert Research Institute
 The
Desert Research Institute’s Division of Earth and Ecosystem
Sciences (DEES) is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral
Fellow in microbial ecology/geobiology at DRI’s Las
Vegas campus. This position, funded primarily through the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Subsurface Biogeochemical
Research program (SBR), will build upon preliminary evidence
suggesting that deep terrestrial subsurface microbial ecosystems
may be supported by radiochemical reactions at DOE legacy
waste sites. This novel mechanism for sustaining deep life
has recently been established through related work in the
world’s deepest mines in South Africa (Science, 322:275-8)
and may be of practical relevance for understanding the mobility
of actinide contaminants in subsurface aquifers.
The research will integrate environmental science with traditional
microbiology and bioinformatics. Major field activities will
involve the sampling of borehole fluids from subsurface habitats
altered by nuclear detonations at the Nevada National Security
Site (NNSS, formerly the Nevada Test Site). Specific project
objectives will include microbial community and genomic assessments
of radioactive and non-radioactive groundwater and rock samples,
cultivation and characterization of relevant microbial physiotypes,
and the development of laboratory microcosms. The successful
candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team composed
of researchers from DRI, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory,
the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Princeton University,
The University of Toronto, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
and Bigelow Laboratory. Although the primary focus of the
research is microbiology, the ideal candidate will be conversant
in related fields and able to integrate datasets from collaborators
with expertise in hydrogeology, radio- and environmental chemistry,
and thermodynamics into a coherent narrative. As such, this
position provides an extraordinary opportunity for training
and networking. Individuals with a demonstrable publication
record and solid foundation in molecular ecology/bioinformatics
are especially encouraged to apply. [More]
Submit a cover letter describing your experience, career
goals and project interests; a curriculum vitae; and contact
information for three professional references when you apply
on-line at www.jobs.dri.edu. Questions can be directed to
Dr. Duane Moser (duane.moser@dri.edu), Postdoctoral Fellow
– Microbial Ecology Search Committee Chair, Desert Research
Institute, Las Vegas, NV. Review of applications will begin
immediately and continue until the position is filled. Posted
September 2011.
Postdoctoral Position in Biogeophysics
at Oklahoma State University
 The
Biogeophysics Group at Oklahoma State University has an immediate
opening for a scientist at the postdoctoral level to investigate
geoelectrical signatures of microbial biofilms in our new
state-of-the-art biogeophysical laboratory. The position is
for three years. The objectives include: (i) evaluating the
contribution of biofilm components to geoelectrical signatures
using field relevant organisms, (ii) determining if the geoelectrical
signatures can be used to quantify the rates of biofilm formation
and biogenic mineral accumulation in subsurface media, (iii)
evaluating the use of reactive transport models to predict
the geophysical response associated with the development of
biofilms in field conditions. Clogging of porous media by
microorganisms using electrical geophysical techniques will
also be investigated. It is expected that these investigations
will develop standardized geophysical methods as tools to
accurately assess microbial metabolic activity at DOE contaminated
sites.
The preferred candidate will have a PhD in Geophysics (with
strong emphasis on electrical techniques) or relevant field
(e.g., environmental engineering, environmental microbiology,
biophysics) with experience related to microbial community
analysis using molecular biology techniques and/ or the cultivation
of anaerobic prokaryotes, biofilms, bioclogging, electrochemistry,
and or biogeophysics. We seek to hire a highly motivated,
enthusiastic; and creative individual who is capable of working
and thinking independently. The salary is attractive and will
include full benefits. Oklahoma State University is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer. Minorities, women,
veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged
to apply.
Candidates should submit a full CV, including the contact
information of three referees, to: Prof. Estella Atekwana
(estella.atekwana@okstate.edu), Oklahoma State University,
School of Geology, Stillwater, OK. The position will remain
open until a suitable candidate is found. Posted August 2011.
Postdoctoral Position in Marine
Hydrogeology at the University of California, Santa Cruz
 The
successful candidate will participate in research involving
seafloor hydrothermal systems in association with the Center
for Dark Energy Biosphere Investigations (a NSF Science and
Technology Center), assist in supervising graduate and undergraduate
student researchers, provide scientific and technical support,
and carry out independent research. Research may include a
combination of oceanographic data and sample collection; processing
and interpretation of seismic, mapping, heat flow, and other
data; geotechnical testing of recovered materials; and/or
numerical modeling of coupled flows within the seafloor.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in geophysics, hydrogeology, geology,
geochemistry or a related field; strong computational skills;
no more than three years of postdoctoral research experience;
ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong
communication and interpersonal skills. A successful candidate
would also have expertise in one or more of the following
research areas (and interest in learning others): marine or
terrestrial geothermics, numerical modeling of coupled flows
(fluid-heat, fluid-solute), reflection seismic data acquisition
and processing, multibeam mapping data acquisition and processing,
cross-hole hydrogeologic (tracer, flow) testing. Intent of
initial appointment is for one year, full time, with reappointment
for another year contingent on progress. Funding for multiple
years is in hand. [More]
Contact Dr. Andrew Fisher (afisher@ucsc.edu), Earth and Planetary
Sciences Department, University of California, Santa Cruz,
CA. Posted August 2011.
Listings with other professional organizations
|
