Post-Doctoral Associate - Department of Plant and Microbial Biology

Position Summary:
This post-doc will conduct research broadly in the area of microbial ecology, particularly related to interactions among bacteria, fungi, and plants. They will take a lead role in establishing new research and leverage existing data from an ongoing experiments on a variety of topics, with particular emphasis on assessing links between microbial interactions and ecosystem functioning (e.g. soil C and N cycling) during organic matter decomposition. The research will emphasize working collaboratively across a wide range of experimental platforms, both in the field (at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories, Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, and other locations in MN as well as nationally) as well as the lab (meso- and microcosm experiments tracking microbial population and community dynamics as well as ecosystem function) settings. The postdoc will be based in the Kennedy Lab in the Plant and Microbial Biology Department at the University of Minnesota. Funding for this position is expected to run for up to 24 months. Support for professional development, conference attendance, and opportunities to expand the candidate's research network are also provided.

Functions:
* Characterize how interactions between fungi and other organisms, particularly bacteria and plants, impact soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
* Establish working pipelines and protocols to characterize microbial communities using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
* Participate in field-based research of microbial community dynamics and ecosystem functioning at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and other experimental platforms in Minnesota.
* Communicate with fellow researchers in the Kennedy Lab and collaborating labs about research protocols, including protocol trialing and optimization, and project progress.
* Assist with data curation (e.g. responsible for quality checking of results and for maintaining appropriate backups of project data) and depositing genomic and trait data to public repositories.
* Conduct literature searches and other independent learning as needed in order to accomplish tasks associated with projects and keep abreast of new scientific advances.
* Prepare and submit scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals, as well as other scientific analyses as required by research partnerships.
* Participate in the drafting and revising of scientific manuscripts from members of the Kennedy lab on an as needed basis.
* Participate in outreach and data sharing efforts to expand the impact of the work as possible.
* Co-supervise junior group members, particularly undergraduate students, during both the summer and academic year.
* Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
* Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals will be necessary. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required. Some travel may be required, including visits with project collaborators and conference attendance.
* Work Environment: Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. This position is designated as a full time in-person position, but some work can be performed off premise during regular hours of work when necessary.
* Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular fields of microbial and soil ecology research, and use of motor vehicles for sample collection.
* Schedule: Work may require occasional evening and weekend hours.

Percentage appointment:
Research (95%)
Professional development (5%)

The job description above attempts to characterize the major duties and responsibilities of the employee and are subject to change as research needs change. It is expected that up to 20% of job duties may change annually.

Qualifications:
PhD degree required in ecology, plant or microbial biology, soil science, computational biology or related fields with demonstrated expertise in field and lab research. A successful track record as an emerging research scientist including demonstrated communication with academic and professional audiences through publications, presentations and/or other media, and a commitment to conducting relevant and timely research is required. Lab experience with microbial nucleic acid extractions (both DNA and RNA), genome generation/annotation, metagenomic and transcriptomic analyses is required. Experience in R programming and ecological statistical analyses also required. Field experience collecting microbe, plant, and/or soil samples as well as lab experience maintaining microbial culture (both fungi and bacteria) collections and conducting microcosm experiments is beneficial. Experience with isotope labeling is also desirable. Must possess a valid driver's license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.

Success Factors:
Strong analytical abilities. Self-motivated, with the initiative and resourcefulness to implement, evaluate, and report on research projects. Desire to conduct interdisciplinary research with other scientists and communicate with dispersed teams. Ability to write manuscripts for scientific peer-reviewed journals and communicate results to a broad audience. Ability to embrace and align with the lab's core values to be inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and seek to make both important scientific and societal contributions.

Our mission is to conduct fundamental research and provide education in plant and microbial biology.

The Department of Plant and Microbial Biology (PMB), led by Interim Head Dr. John Ward, comprises a diverse and integrative group of scientists who study the genetics, ecology, evolution, and molecular biology of plants, fungi, and microbes. Our undergraduate and graduate programs prepare our students for a variety of career paths, including research, education, biotechnology, and environmental policy.

The College of Biological Sciences Conservatory and Botanical Collection is run by the department. With more than 1,200 species from around the world organized into five biomes, the Conservatory is home to the most diverse collection of plants in the region.

Affiliated research and outreach facilities include the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, the Microbial and Plant Genomics Institute, the BioTechnology Institute, the Biotechnology Resource Center, the University of Minnesota Genomics Center, the Biological Imaging Centers, the University of Minnesota Herbarium of the J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History, Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories, and Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

Pay Range: $62,000 to $66,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).