The Hawkes laboratory is looking for two postdoctoral researchers at the University of Texas in Austin. Both positions will involve research examining links between plant-microbe interactions and ecosystem function under various environmental change scenarios (e.g., climate, invasion, land-use). Examples of current questions being addressed in the lab include how fungal-mediation of carbon cycling is altered by shifted precipitation patterns and how residual effects (legacies) of exotic plant invasions affect the links among soil microbial communities, soil biogeochemistry, and restoration success.
Ideally, candidates should be independent and highly motivated individuals with demonstrated skills and experience in biogeochemistry and/or molecular techniques. Postdocs will be considered who have either experience in either one or both of these areas. Expectations for applicants with molecular backgrounds are, at minimum, a working knowledge of DNA extraction protocols, PCR, community fingerprint techniques (DGGE, TRFLP), cloning and sequencing of PCR products, primer design, sequence alignment, and basic phylogenetics. Expectations for applicants with biogeochemical backgrounds include a basic knowledge of soil extractions and analyses for C and N, measurement of soil respiration and other gas fluxes, stable isotope tracer methods, microbial biomass extraction (experience with equipment such as Lachat autoanalyzer, TIC/TOC, and LICOR a plus). Training in other methods (e.g., stable isotope probing of RNA/DNA) will be provided.
The lab is recently established and newly renovated. Some of the initial work will therefore involve equipment set up and creation of lab protocols. Additionally, some travel to field sites in California and Florida will be required. More information about the Hawkes laboratory can be found at http://www.biosci.utexas.edu/ib/faculty/hawkes.htm
Positions begin in January and are funded for up to three years. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2005 and will continue until suitable candidates are found. Applications and inquiries about the position should be sent to Christine Hawkes at chawkes@mail.utexas.edu. Applications should include a letter describing your research interests and experience, a CV, and contact information for three references.
Ideally, candidates should be independent and highly motivated individuals with demonstrated skills and experience in biogeochemistry and/or molecular techniques. Postdocs will be considered who have either experience in either one or both of these areas. Expectations for applicants with molecular backgrounds are, at minimum, a working knowledge of DNA extraction protocols, PCR, community fingerprint techniques (DGGE, TRFLP), cloning and sequencing of PCR products, primer design, sequence alignment, and basic phylogenetics. Expectations for applicants with biogeochemical backgrounds include a basic knowledge of soil extractions and analyses for C and N, measurement of soil respiration and other gas fluxes, stable isotope tracer methods, microbial biomass extraction (experience with equipment such as Lachat autoanalyzer, TIC/TOC, and LICOR a plus). Training in other methods (e.g., stable isotope probing of RNA/DNA) will be provided.
The lab is recently established and newly renovated. Some of the initial work will therefore involve equipment set up and creation of lab protocols. Additionally, some travel to field sites in California and Florida will be required. More information about the Hawkes laboratory can be found at http://www.biosci.utexas.edu/ib/faculty/hawkes.htm
Positions begin in January and are funded for up to three years. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2005 and will continue until suitable candidates are found. Applications and inquiries about the position should be sent to Christine Hawkes at chawkes@mail.utexas.edu. Applications should include a letter describing your research interests and experience, a CV, and contact information for three references.
