The Department of Earth and Environmental Science and the Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology at the University of Pennsylvania seek graduate students interested in any of the following research areas: geomicrobiology, ecology, microbe-microbe and microbe-mineral interactions, biogeochemistry, ecophysiology and bioenergetics. Potential projects include: i) Microbial remediation of asbestos: This project provides the opportunity to interrogate microbe-mineral interactions in human-disposed minerals; ii) Bioenergetic principles of energy metabolisms: This project will focus on the ecophysiology of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and/or Fe(III) reduction from marine geothermal environments; and iii) Taxonomic classification: Isolation and characterization of novel chemosynthetic microorganisms from anoxic environments. The prospective students will be expected to work at the interface between geology, chemistry, and biology. Skills associated with this research program: problem-solving (scientific method) skills, preparation of chemical solutions, microbial culturing, microscopy, molecular phylogenetics, aqueous/gas chemistry quantification, isotope geochemistry, experimental design skills, data-logging, broad scientific literacy and cultural competence. The successful applicants will be awarded a Ph.D. Fellowship package that includes: tuition, fees, health care and stipend for living expenses. These packages are available starting Fall 2018. Apply here. If interested in learning more about this opportunity please contact Ileana Pérez- Rodríguez at: ileperez@sas.upenn.edu .
The Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a postdoctoral scholar to study microbial remediation of asbestos through chemosynthesis. The position involves the cultivation of chemosynthetic microorganisms relevant to Fe- and N-based energy metabolisms. DESIRED LABORATORY SKILLS INCLUDE: (i) experience with microbial cultivation under batch and/or continuous culture conditions, (ii) experience with aqueous geochemistry techniques, (iii) experience with epifluorescent, SEM and/or TEM microscopy and (iv) basic molecular techniques. [Note: these are the required skills for the implementation of the project. Training in certain areas can be provided, as long as the intellectual motivation is well aligned with this research]. DESIRED ACADEMIC SKILLS INCLUDE: (i) team-working and interpersonal skills, (ii) excellent written and oral communication skills, (iii) commitment to developing peer-reviewed manuscripts, and (iv) desire to work at the intersection between geology, chemistry and biology. The position includes full benefits and is for two years. Candidates should submit a CV, max 2-page statement of experience/interests and the names of 3 contact references. Please send application materials and/or informal inquiries to Dr. Ileana Pérez-Rodríguez (ileperez@sas.upenn.edu). The position is available starting September 1st. Applications are accepted until position is filled. The successful candidate must have completed his/her Ph.D. at the time of the appointment.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Science and the Center for Energy Research at the University of Pennsylvania seek graduate students interested in any of the following research areas: geomicrobiology, ecology, microbe-microbe and microbe-mineral interactions, biogeochemistry, ecophysiology and bioenergetics. Potential projects include: i) Microbial remediation of asbestos– This project provides the opportunity to interrogate microbe-mineral interactions in human-disposed minerals. ii) Bioenergetic principles of energy metabolism– This project will focus on the ecophysiology of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and/or Fe(III) reduction from marine geothermal environments. iii) Taxonomic classification– Isolation and characterization of novel chemosynthetic microorganisms from anoxic environments. The prospective students will be expected to work at the interface between geology, chemistry, and biology. If interested in learning more about this opportunity please contact Ileana Pérez- Rodríguez at: perezrod@usc.edu.