Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Plant and Soil Science
A one year postdoctoral scholar position in plant and soil science is available for a highly motivated candidate. The project, funded by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant, will examine the uptake and transport of nanoparticles through soil and into plants. The postdoctoral scholar will join a collaborative and integrative team composed of faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students studying nanoparticle fate and transport in soil, water, and plants. The postdoctoral scholar will work in the labs of Dr. Andrew McElrone (Department of Viticulture and Enology) and Dr. Sanjai Parikh (Department of Land, Air and Water Resources) with collaboration with other labs on campus. The successful candidate will be responsible for laboratory and greenhouse experiments to evaluate the mobility and bioaccumulation of metals and metal oxide nanoparticles into vegetable crops, and will have access to a range of cutting edge techniques for their work. An ideal candidate would have prior experience and expertise in studying nanoparticles within environmental systems, but this is not requisite for otherwise excellent candidates. The candidate will be expected to analyze and interpret existing datasets, generate new data, and write papers from experimental work to be published in top peerreviewed journals. For this position, a strong knowledge of fundamental plant physiology and general chemistry is expected.
Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in plant/soil science, or a closely related field.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with researchers from many different scientific backgrounds.
Experience designing, planning, and conducting experimental procedures, including the ability to meet project goals in a timely manner.
The ability to communicate research findings both at professional meetings and in high quality peer-reviewed journals.
Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail, and meticulous work style, as evidenced by previous research.
The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:
Previous experience working with nanoparticles in soil and plant systems.
Previous experience with ICP-MS, TEM, X-ray microtomography, PET scan imaging, radiochemistry, and plant hydraulic measurements.
Previous experience managing and mentoring graduate or undergraduate students.
Salary:
Salary and benefits are consistent with UC Davis policy and applicant experience.
To Apply:
Please apply by sending your 1) CV inclusive of publications, awards, and laboratory experience; 2) a cover letter discussing your experience with plant physiology and nanoparticles in environmental systems, experimental qualifications, research interests and motivations for this position; and 3) the names of three references to Andrew McElrone (ajmcelrone@ucdavis.edu) and Sanjai Parikh (sjparikh@ucdavis.edu). This position is currently open and will preferably have a start date on or before August 1, 2016.
