The School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a vibrant team of researchers. The Postdoctoral researcher, will be based at our Tempe Campus, and will lead efforts to advance our understanding of microbial physiology, gene expression and cellular modeling, and microbial ecology of methanogens and methanotrophs in the soils.

Terrestrial ecosystems are undergoing a broad range of responses to climate change, and in particular feedbacks leading to ecosystem transitions from greenhouse gas sinks to sources demand immediate attention. Forested ecosystems like transitional subboreal forest provide a critical case to study transitions from methanotrophic to methanogenic activities and microbial functioning relevant for large areas of the northern forests.

We are part of a collaborative effort (NSF funded project) bringing together researchers from five institutions (ASU, SDU, UM, Emory and Woodwell Climate Research center as lead) to evaluate how environmental controls merge with biological processes and thus decipher the mechanisms, processes, and functional relationships driving CH₄ sink/source activity from the microsite to landscape level in the Howland Research Forest. This large project will integrate multi-scale field- and lab-based experimental observations of CH₄ production, CH₄ oxidation, stable carbon isotopes, microbial analysis, and modeling.

Essential duties

1. Develop several experimental and computational activities seeking to integrate microbial operational genes (functional markers) and traits (kinetics) in culture and culture-free approaches to predict activity rates of microbial guild under field conditions.

2. Evaluate field and lab-based gene expression patterns to predict guild activity rates based on ecophysiological microbial modeling.

3. Grow methanogenic and methanotrophic isolations of upland forests.

4. Write scientific papers associated with the research.

5. Travel to fieldwork activities and meetings to present results.

6. Be an active member in research group activities (e.g., participate in lab meetings, mentor students, contribute to lab governance).

Department and university information

The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of Arizona State University. For employees, that means the chance to engage with a large, and curious student body. And for students that are pursuing a degree in our college, faculty and staff get the opportunity to guide them as they grow into socially aware, critical thinkers who are often pioneering solutions to societal issues. While student success is our top priority, The College also supports the professional development and growth of its faculty and staff as well as research that positively impacts our community.

Arizona State University is a dynamic, progressive university dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations, to rethinking university education, and to integrating excellence in research and teaching. The university has been ranked #1 for innovation by the US News & World Report for the past five years. ASU’s School of Life Sciences is committed to curricular innovation in traditional and digital learning environments.

Minimum qualifications

1. Successful candidates must have earned a doctoral degree or the equivalent terminal degree in a relevant area, such as Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Sciences, Ecosystem Sciences, and Environmental Engineering, at the time of appointment.

2. Demonstrated dedication to solving microbial physiology and contributions to ecosystem problems through research and scholarship.

3. Must have the capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

4. A demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Desired qualifications

1. Candidates with solid expertise in microbial gene expression and physiology, microbial ecology, and computational or experimental genomics in the context of responses to environmental change, will be preferred.
2. Strong candidates should possess: (A) a significant publication record (papers published, in press, or submitted), (B) creativity, independence, and the desire to learn, (C) abilities to design molecular and genomic evaluations, and (D) analytical, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
3. Demonstrated commitment to working with faculty, staff, students and communities to advance the ASU Charter.

The application deadline is August 27, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. AZ time.

Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled. Candidates will be asked to create or use an existing Interfolio Dossier to submit the following:

1. A cover letter and research interests. Applicants should describe their experience and suitability for the position. Unlike a standard cover letter, this proposal should highlight the strengths of the applicant’s experience in developing and implementing the proposed research. Applicants are encouraged to discuss relevant research questions, approaches, scientific significance, and significance to action-oriented research.
2. Curriculum vitae or resume.
3. Contact information (name, email, and phone) for three references who may be contacted at a later stage of consideration.
4. A brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals.