The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences is seeking two graduate research assistants to participate in USDA NIFA funded study examining the transport and biogeochemical transformation of phosphorus from tile-drained agricultural fields and forest flood plains in east-central Illinois. The focus of the study is to 1) speciate inorganic and organic P species using state of art spectroscopic techniques (e.g., synchrotron based X-ray techniques, NMR, TEM, SEM), 2) quantify the colloidal P(CP) and particulate P (PP) in tile and river water; 2) understand mechanisms controlling the release dissolved reactive P (DRP), CP, and PP losses; and 3) assess the contribution of various P sources, including tiles, surface runoff, and riverine sources to overall watershed export of P. The research associates will work together with a team in the project, including the collection of water and soil samples and the latest chemical analysis to better understand P chemistry, and publishing the results in high quality journals.
Qualifications: An undergraduate and or M.S degree in soil sci, aquatic chemistry, environmental sci. or related field with a strong chemical or biogeochemical background is required. Experience with phosphorus in agricultural & forest systems is desired. Position is initially available for master or doctoral level based on performance.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2016 (position will remain open until filled). By email send a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, CV, a few reprints of your work if you already have, and the names and contact information for 3 references.
Send to:
Dr. Yuji Arai, Email: yarai@illinois.edu
University of Illinois
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
W503 Turner Hall
1102 S. Goodwin Av.
Urbana, IL 61801
For more information about past work in this area or either of my lab:
http://yarai7.wix.com/arailab