Job Details:
Earliest start date is November 1, 2024. Position ends one year from initial hire date. Position is renewable based on performance and new funding acquisition. This position will include a full-time benefits package (https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits). Security sensitive; criminal background check conducted on selected candidate. Hiring decision is contingent upon clearing background check requirement.
Purpose
The purpose of this position is to study plant-microbiome interactions using genetic, genomic, and experimental approaches.
Responsibilities
- Conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts related to plant-microbiome interactions, including experiments utilizing synthetic communities.
- Develop methods, conduct experiments, and prepare manuscript exploring the role of root exudates and metabolites on the establishment of the root microbiome.
- Use culturing techniques to isolate and describe microbes associated with plant roots.
- Lead microbiome engineering experiments based on host mediated selection.
- Help to train and mentor undergraduate researchers in the lab. Manage lab technicians related to microbiology research.
- Help lab field campaigns associated with common garden field experiments.
- Present research results at conferences and meetings. Help to generate pilot data and figures for grant proposal applications.
Required Qualifications
The candidate should hold a PhD degree (or equivalent international degree) in Plant Biology or a related field. The ideal candidate should be a highly motivated individual with a solid background in plant physiology, microbiology, and abiotic stress. The candidate should have experience developing independent research and a track record of publication in high quality journals. The candidate is expected to have good communication skills and be capable of working in a team environment. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with C3 and C4 grass species. Experience growing, maintaining, and studying plants and their associated microbes.
Salary Range
$58,744 + depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
- Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished)
- May work in all weather conditions
- May work in extreme temperatures
- May work around chemical fumes
- May work around standard office conditions
- May work around biohazards
- May work around chemicals
- May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
- Use of manual dexterity
- Climbing of stairs
- Climbing of ladders
- Lifting and moving
Work Shift
- Flexible: 40 hours/week is required, and most of this time should be during normal business hours (e.g., 8:00am-5:00pm), although numbers of hours/days and days/week can be negotiated and may change depending on what projects are being pursued.
Required Materials
- Curriculum Vitae, including publications.
- Minimum of three letters of reference, at least two of which must be from referees outside of the University of Texas at Austin.
- Letter of interest
- Research Statement
- PhD Verification (copy of diploma or copy of official transcript in English with “degree awarded” information)
