🚨 Job Announcement

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Subtropical pasture isotope biogeochemistry

Betsey Boughton
Betsey Boughton
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Subtropical pasture isotope biogeochemistry
 
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.
 
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. 
 
TO APPLY: 
 
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. 
 
STARTING DATE: March – May 2023 (flexible). 
 
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell embrace diversity and seek candidates who will create a climate that attracts persons of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Diversity and Inclusion are central to Cornell University’s heritage and identity. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Employment Assistance: If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at owdi@cornell.edu. For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. 2020-09-23-07:00 About Us Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options