Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Biology

The Department of Biology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate.

About the Opportunity

The incumbent post-doctoral research associate will perform lab and field experiments to generate data that they will then use to refine ecosystem models of how different bioenergy feedstocks vary in their ability to store carbon and retain nitrogen in soils. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the Brzostek Lab. The incumbent will perform this research in collaboration with co-investigators of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, a Department of Energy supported Bioenergy Research Center. The overall goals of CABBI are to develop a sustainable and economically viable bioeconomy in the rainfed US.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Refine a predictive model of plant-microbial interactions for bioenergy and agricultural ecosystems.
• Synthesize existing data to generate validation for model developments.
• Lead field campaigns to measure and experimental manipulate plant-microbial interactions in bioenergy systems.
• Perform chemical analyses of plant and soil samples in the lab.
• Manage hourly student workers to ensure proper sample analysis and data quality control.
• Travel to remote field sites to collect plant and soil samples.
• Communicate research orally at scientific meetings as well as written publications in scientific journals.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals to federal agencies including DOE, NSF, and USDA.

• PhD in Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in ecosystem modeling and performing field and laboratory research in biogeochemistry.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skilled at performing research in the field, including setting up research plots in the forest and collecting environmental samples.
• Ability to perform basic assays of soil and plant nutrient status.
• Knowledge of ecosystem ecology, including both ecosystem level biogeochemical cycling and the impacts of land processes on global biogeochemical cycles.
• Skilled at scientific writing of manuscripts for publication and assisting in the preparation of extramural grant proposals.
• Skilled at using computer programming languages (e.g., Matlab, R, Python) to perform statistical analyses and model ecological functions.
• Skilled at using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Skilled at identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to document and present the results of research.
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format as well as use original or innovative techniques or style due to the nature of the scientific content of the material being presented.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of co-investigators from diverse disciplines, orientations, and organizations.
• Ability to do strategic planning for program development.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic environment is core to WVURC's mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.