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PhD Position on Root ecology. 

Employer:

Department of Biological Sciences. 

Job Field:

Root Ecology

Job Type:

Graduate Student

Location:

Miami, South Florida, USA

Location Detail:

Florida International University,

Job Description:

The PhD position is part of an effort to explore biological diversity in the tropics. We will investigate the morphological, chemical and anatomical features in fine roots of tropical trees as well the associated microbial communities. Our main interest is to examine the morphological and anatomical adaptations required to colonize alternative environments and its role in species diversification among lineages. The graduate student will learn modern microscopy and molecular methods as part of the research, including fluorescent microscopy, DNA extraction and sequencing, and secondary compound biochemistry. Research projects will include a combination of filed work in natural areas and sampling living collection in prestigious botanical gardens in South Florida.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a Bachelor or master degree in biology, forestry, environmental sciences, geosciences, soil sciences, or a related discipline. Candidates with laboratory research experience in plant biology or microbiology are preferred.
Fieldwork experience in ecological sciences in tropical environments is desirable. We are looking for an outstanding candidate, who is highly motivated, team orientated and willing to work precisely. Advanced command of English is required, fluent use of conversational Spanish is desirable. This post is designed to serve in fostering a young researcher, and give the successful applicant the opportunity to pursue a PhD degree.

How to Apply: Please send your application including a cover letter explaining your motivation and research experience, CV, and (if available) copies of publications by October 15, 2020, to Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes, Department of Biological Sciences, ‘Tropical Root Ecology Laboratory’, e-mail:ovalverd@fiu.edu.

Postdoctoral Associate in the Institute of Environment at Florida International University.

Start Date: Fall 2021
Location: Miami, Florida, USA

A Postdoctoral Associate position is available in the Tropical Root Ecology and Evolution (TREE) Lab of Dr. Oscar Valverde-Barrantes at Florida International University. The post doc will assist with various projects focused on the evolution and ecology of root systems of vascular plants in tropical ecosystems. These projects include a collaborative work focused on the description of fine root systems in tropical and subtropical plants, and their associated microbial communities. Moreover, the researcher will help to design, execute and analyze in situ and greenhouse experiments to determine how function of root systems with different morphologies may influence soil carbon dynamics. The researcher will work closely with a highly skilled, interdisciplinary team of ecologists encompassing multiple institutions across the globe. Projects of interest include the study of root dynamics in Amazonian tropical forests (Amazon Face Project), interactions between mycorrhizal and pathogen fungi in temperate forests (MycoPath Project)  and the study of endophyte root communities in mangrove forests from South Florida and Central America (UCR-FIU partnership).

This position will be based at the FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus in Miami, FL, USA. The appointment is for a 2-year term, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding. Applicants should have a Ph D. in Biology, Ecology, Botany or a related discipline. Candidates with research experience in tropical ecology will be preferred. The work will require a wide range of skills: understanding terrestrial biochemistry processes, soil ecology, use of statistical tools including programming in R, and a strong conceptualization on root form and function. The researcher is expected to master oral and written presentation of results, provide ideas for research funding, the ability to work in an integrated team environment and be comfortable travelling to remote areas. The successful candidate will assist in mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Basic knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish or French is desirable. This post intents to create a vibrant root ecology lab as part of the FIU¿s Institute of Environment  and consolidate an emerging researcher in root ecology.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 522421 at facultycareers.fiu.edu and attach a cover letter explaining your motivation and research experience, CV, and (if available) copies of publications in a single PDF file by March 15, 2021. Copies of these documents should also been sent to Oscar J Valverde-Barrantes, Department of Biological Sciences, ‘Tropical Root Ecology Laboratory’, e-mail: ovalverd@fiu.edu. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least three references to be contacted as determined by the search committee. Review will continue until position is filled.