Postdoctoral Research Associate

The lab of Dr. Alonso Favela is looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate.

Current research in the lab focuses on understanding and managing nitrogen cycling in agricultural systems through plant-microbiome interactions. Our work aims to uncover plant and microbial traits that regulate nitrogen transformations in soil, with the goal of developing cropping systems that maintain productivity while reducing external inputs.

In parallel, the lab is expanding efforts to understand microbiome-associated phenotypes that contribute to drought tolerance and soil water retention. This includes investigating how plant genotypes shape microbial communities and microbial functions that influence soil structure, nutrient availability, and plant performance under water stress. Postdoctoral researchers will have the opportunity to integrate field experiments, controlled environment studies, and multi-omics approaches to uncover mechanisms linking microbial ecology to agronomic outcomes.

The position is particularly well suited for candidates interested in bridging fundamental ecological and evolutionary questions with applied agricultural outcomes. Tucson offers exceptional access to field sites spanning natural and managed arid ecosystems, strong interdisciplinary collaborations across plant sciences, microbiology, ecology, and engineering, and a supportive scientific community focused on sustainability in dryland environments.

The successful candidate will conduct research at the intersection of microbial ecology and plant biology, including the development of experimental protocols, the design and execution of experiments, and the analysis and interpretation of complex datasets. The postdoctoral scholar will support ongoing FFAR- and DOE funded projects investigating microbiome processes within agroecosystems. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong research record in relevant scientific areas. The ideal candidate will demonstrate independence, collaboration, and intellectual ambition, with the capacity to lead research initiatives while actively contributing to a team oriented environment.

We are seeking a motivated scientist who is excited by the opportunity to develop independent ideas, mentor students, and contribute to a growing research program aimed at rethinking how plant-microbiome interactions can support resilient agriculture in a changing climate.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Perform molecular laboratory work including DNA extraction from soils,
  microbial isolates, and plant tissues, as well as preparation of sequencing
  libraries and associated quality control procedures (e.g., PCR, library QC).
• Conduct plant growth,
  maintenance, and experimental work in growth chambers and greenhouse environments in support of plant-microbiome
  research objectives.
• Analyze metagenomic and related datasets, maintain accurate research records, and interpret
  experimental results.
• Assist in mentoring
  undergraduate researchers, contributing to laboratory organization, and maintaining a productive and collaborative
  research environment.
• Contribute to experimental design, development of research protocols, and preparation of manuscripts, technical reports, and
  research summaries.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis, including R and Unix/Linux environments.
• Strong organizational skills and the abilityto manage multiple projects in a collaborative research environment.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative,
  and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and manuscript preparation.

• Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Agriculture, Ecology, or a related field of study.
• Selected applicant
  must have Ph.D. conferred upon hire.

• Experience with environmental microbial sampling, experimental design, and field or greenhouse-based studies.
• Experience with genomic or metagenomic sequencing workflows and downstream analyses, particularly in environmental or microbiome-focused systems.
• Experience with plant-based research, including plant growth experiments, phenotyping, transformation, or breeding approaches.