We are seeking to appoint three highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral researchers to join a team at Manchester to explore the diversity, stability and functioning of the soil microbiome (SoilResist). The positions are associated with a five-year ERC Advanced Grant awarded to Richard Bardgett, which seeks to: (i) develop a mechanistic understanding of the factors that underpin the resistance and resilience of complex soil microbial communities and their functioning to anthropogenic perturbations; and (ii) identity critical thresholds for abrupt transitions of microbial communities to alternative states and consequences for soil functioning. The project focuses on global grasslands and will examine microbial responses to drought and how they are modified by sustained nitrogen enrichment and extrinsic factors such as vegetation and soil abiotic properties.
The positions are full time and initially for three years, but have the opportunity to be extended to five years. The appointees will work collaboratively, each bringing complementary expertise to address the overall aims of SoilResist. The three positions are as follows:
Research Associate in Ecosystem Ecology – SAE-016744 with experience of exploring plant-soil interactions and biogeochemical cycles in field settings, preferably at large spatial scales.
Research Associate in Soil Microbial Ecology – SAE-016746 with an emphasis on molecular analysis of soil microbial communities and functional traits
Research Associate in Soil Biogeochemistry – SAE-016745 with interests in understudying microbial processes and fluxes of C and N in soil and the rhizosphere.
All appointments will be based in the Soil and Ecosystem Ecology group at Manchester https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/soil-ecosystem-ecology-lab/ and will work in collaboration with UK and international project partners.
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
http://www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/
Happy to talk flexible working.
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Professor Richard Bardgett
Email: Richard.bardgett@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
