Rothamsted Research,the largest agricultural research centre in the UK and the oldest agricultural research station in the world, is seeking a Molecular Microbial Ecologist for a postdoctoral position to investigate the factors which control the assembly and function of microbial communities in grassland soils in relation to carbon and nitrogen cycling. The project is part of a large-multidisciplinary consortium ‘U-Grass’, led by Dr Rob Griffiths (NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, CEH) which will investigate how interactions between the traits of grassland and cropland plant-soil communities affect the ecological resilience of critical biological processes including C cycling and ecosystem greenhouse gas emissions. The project partners include Rothamsted Research, CEH, Lancaster University, Imperial College London and the University of Aberdeen. U-grass is part of the NERC-BBSRC Soil Security Programme, a major initiative to improve global food security (http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/funded/programmes/soilsecurity/); work at Rothamsted Research is led by Penny Hirsch (http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/soil-microbial-ecology).
You will use the latest next generation sequencing methods to derive fundamental new understanding of the drivers that shape the composition of rhizosphere microbial communities and their functions, particularly with respect to the biological nitrogen cycle. You will sample grassland from a range of field locations with different treatments, at Rothamsted Research and elsewhere in the UK. You interrogate existing metagenomic data from Rothamsted and other soils to design primers for qPCR and to generate amplicons for NGS, in order to investigate functional genes involved in N-cycling. You will analyse data in conjunction with the results of functional assays from the project partners to elucidate the relative roles of soil biodiversity, soil treatments and inputs, soil properties, local climate and geographical factors in shaping the rhizosphere microbial community and its functioning. Applicants are expected to have a solid grounding in soil microbial ecology and ecological theory and to be competent molecular biologists with experience of bioinformatics analysis of NGS data, primer design, qPCR, and statistical analysis. Competence in R would be an advantage; a full driving licence is essential.
The appointment is full-time within Band D with a starting salary normally in the region of £29,842 and £32,315 per annum. The post is available for a two year period.
Rothamsted Research, Harpenden Site is located within commuting distance of Central London. We have access to excellent local and leisure facilities, on-site nursery and play scheme 25 days holiday and an attractive benefits package. Our commitment to training and development, as well as equality and diversity, create a welcoming environment for all prospective employees.
To apply, complete an application form at www.rothamsted.ac.uk and return to the HR Group, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, e-mail rres.hr@rothamsted.ac.uk