Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Environment

University of Illinois

Field Research Specialist: Plant-Soil-Microbe Interactions in Nitrogen Biogeochemistry

A Field Research Specialist position is available as part of the Sustainability Theme in the new U.S. Department of Energy-funded Bioenergy Research Center (BRC), the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI). The overall goal of the CABBI Sustainability Theme is to develop the predictive capability to determine which feedstock combinations, regions and land types, market conditions, and biofuels and bioproducts have the potential to support the ecologically and economically sustainable displacement of fossil fuels. The field research specialist will work with Dr. Angela Kent on projects including microbial communities that help sustain healthy ecosystems. Her work predicts impacts of global change and other human forces on the functions of microbial ecosystems, and enhances environmental quality by harnessing microbial processes. This position will conduct field work and laboratory experiments to promote the success of the Sustainability theme of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy & Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigate microbial ecology related to nitrogen cycling in bioenergy crops.
• Collect and process soil samples for DNA sequencing and microbial activity assays.
• Collect bulk soil and rhizosphere samples for microbial analysis and laboratory experiments.
• Travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns.
• Support other lab activities including organizing and processing soil samples; extracting DNA; submitting samples for DNA sequencing and qPCR; preparing reagents; and conducting microbial activity assays.
• Supervise undergraduate students assisting with this project (including training, assigning work, and tracking work performance and deliverables).
• Manage the purchasing and receiving of chemicals and scientific supplies related to this project.
• Contribute to data compilation, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Required: A bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field is required. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
• Preferred: A MS degree in biology, environmental science, or related field is preferred.

Experience:

• Required: Research experience in the laboratory and in the field related to microbial ecology or plant and soil science.
• Preferred: Experience carrying out statistical analyses in the R statistical environment. Experience with databases (Filemaker Pro) and data management.

Training, Licenses or Certifications:

• Required: A valid driver’s license is required due to traveling to research sites throughout the U.S.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Required: Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel). Ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions. Ability to travel to research sites in Florida, Iowa, and other locations in the eastern U.S. for short sampling campaigns.
• Preferred: Ability to plan and coordinate research activities. Ability to carry out bioinformatics workflows and statistical analyses typical for microbial ecology analyses. Effective communication, organizational, personal relations, and leadership skills. Understanding of microbial ecology bioinformatics workflows and statistical analyses typical for microbial ecology. Ability to carry out statistical analyses in the R statistical environment.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Appointment Status: Full-time academic professional, grant-supported appointment renewable annually pending continued funding and satisfactory progress within the position. Qualified individuals will be eligible to receive vacation, sick, and personal leave; retirement through the State Universities Retirement System; and group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Applications must be received by July 22, 2018. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu by the close of the posting period. Start date as soon as possible. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu