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Postdoctoral Research Associate: Subtropical pasture isotope biogeochemistry
Job Description
- Agency
- Cornell University and Archbold Biological Station
- Location
- Ithaca, NY and Lake Placid, FL
- Job Category
- Post Doctoral Appointments
- Salary
- TBD, negotiable
- Start Date
- 05/01/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 03/22/2023
- Website
- https://www.archbold-station.org/html/aboutus/employ.cfm
- Description
- A fulltime postdoctoral position is available in the Sparks Isotope Ecology Lab (https://sparks.eeb.cornell.edu) in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell University. The position will be in close collaboration with the Archbold Biological Station (http://www.archbold-station.org/) and associated Buck Island Experimental Cattle Ranch located in south-central Florida (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_WhY3aZB0 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGV_G6dnYHg ). Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch is a member of the USDA’s Long-term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network (https://ltar.ars.usda.gov/). The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by Dr. Jed P. Sparks at Cornell and Dr. Betsey Boughton from Archbold. The position entails field work and laboratory-based research examining biogeochemistry in human-influenced subtropical pasturelands. There will be two primary areas of focus; 1) the identification and amelioration of legacy phosphorus using a combination of Uranium isotopes to determine the origin of phosphorus and traditional field biogeochemical methods (lysimetry, soil analysis and phytoremediation) to track the efficacy of phosphorus remediation, and 2) an examination of the controls over ecosystem-level methane fluxes in subtropical pastures. This could include a major global modeling component if desired. The post-doctoral research associate will also have the opportunity to participate in LTAR network working groups focused on biogeochemistry. Currently, we have funding for a two-year position. The initial contract will be one year, renewable depending on available work, funding, and performance. The primary responsibilities of this position include: Conducting lab- and field-based studies and experiments using Uranium isotopes to identify the sources of legacy phosphorus and assess experiments to reduce overall phosphorus loading (~35%) Lead isotope-ecosystem studies at Buck Island Ranch in Florida, and complete laboratory analyses at the Cornell Isotope Laboratory (COIL) to determine the source of phosphorus in these systems. In addition, participate in a multi-investigator remediation study examining best practices for reducing phosphorus using plant-based remediation. There will be opportunities to ask additional questions of interest to the Postdoctoral Associate. The Postdoctoral Associate will have support from both PIs, lab technicians, graduate students and undergraduates. Quantification of methane fluxes (~15%) In collaboration with the PIs and graduate students, participate in a project examining management solutions reducing methane generation in subtropical pasturelands. These could include plant and soil-based measurements of flux and soil-profile isotope analysis to determine metabolic sources of methane and rates of oxidation in the soil profile. Data analysis (~25%) Analyze data using rigorous statistical methods and present results at lab meetings and project meetings. Publishing and presenting research results (~20%) Draft and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; present results at professional meetings, conferences, and popular seminars. Student mentoring (~5%) Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in related research. STARTING DATE: March – May 2023 (flexible).
- Qualifications
- Ph.D. in biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, or related field. Experience with the analysis of isotopes or the quantification of trace gases desirable including knowledge of the relevant literature and research methods Ability and desire to work collaboratively, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and to also work independently. High levels of project leadership, time management, communication, and writing skills STARTING DATE: March – May 2023 (flexible). Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant background and experiences, a CV, a statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and names and contact information for three professional references to jps66@cornell.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please contact PI Jed Sparks (jps66@cornell.edu) with any questions.
- Contact Person
- Dr. Jed Sparks
- Contact eMail
- jps66@cornell.edu
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