Graduate Research Associate (Ph.D.) position (School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri)
Full-Time
Job Description: A graduate research associate (Ph.D.) position is available in the School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri for a USDA funded project to quantify the spatial variability of soil greenhouse gas emissions in river floodplains as impacted by conventional and alternative land use management systems. This is a collaborative project between University of Missouri Columbia and Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO.
Designing and implementing resilient land use systems are essential to counter the effects of climate change in river floodplains that are subjected to frequent extreme weather events. Alteration of the hydrological cycle and frequent flooding (with associated deposition of sand and silt) can influence various soil properties. It is essential to develop a better understanding of how such events influence emissions of greenhouse gases with higher frequency of predicted extreme weather events due to global warming and climate change. Research will emphasize the investigations of i) in-situ variations in GHG emissions among different land use systems, ii) impact of flooding to better understand how each land use system will be influenced by frequent extreme flooding using laboratory incubation, and iii) compare the soil microbial communities in-situ and in response to the flood treatments.
Required Qualifications: include Master's degree or equivalent in soil science, microbiology, ecology, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, GPA of at least 3.2, GRE Verbal and Quantitative score of 300, TOEFL 79 (minimum), and 50th percentile or higher preferred in each category. Experience in microbial ecology, next-generation sequencing, and/or bioinformatics is preferred. Strong background in statistical modelling will be an added advantage. The student will be expected to work in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory under hot and humid conditions.
The student will be offered $24000 per year research assistantship, tuition waiver, and health insurance subsidy according to University of Missouri standard guidelines. Candidate will be expected to have a valid driver's license.
To apply: The school and department website can be accessed at (http://snr.missouri.edu/) &
(http://snr.missouri.edu/grad/seas.php) for additional information.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sougata Bardhan
(bardhans@missouri.edu) or Dr. Peter Motavalli
(motavallip@missouri.edu)
Completed application materials will be due immediately.
Information on application procedure can be accessed at http://snr.missouri.edu/grad/seas-how-to-apply.php