January 15, 2016

The Joye Research Group at the University of Georgia invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher and two Ph.D. level graduate students in the area of hydrocarbon microbiology, biogeochemistry, and -omics. The selected individuals will employ tools from microbiology, geochemistry and molecular biology to characterize how microorganisms impact hydrocarbon cycling in sediments and in the water column of the Gulf of Mexico and Guaymas Basin.

Duties:

The selected individuals may engage in projects characterizing the environment using a range of geochemical techniques, including 2D-GC-ToF-MS for hydrocarbon composition and concentration determination, quantifying rates of microbial activity using radiotracer and stable isotopic approaches, and determining microbial community structure and dynamics using techniques such as FISH, CARD-FISH, MICRO-FISH, SIP, Raman Spectroscopy and cutting- edge DNA and RNA based –omics techniques. Interested candidates should be highly motivated, organized, independent, and have extensive experience with (post docs) or willingness to learn (graduate student) the tools of microbiology, geochemistry and/or molecular microbiology. The research grants supporting these positions require selected individuals to spend one to two months at sea per year.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants should be interested in the microbiology and biogeochemistry of methane and/or complex hydrocarbon cycling in the environment. Post doctoral applicants should hold a PhD in microbiology, marine science, oceanography, or geochemistry. S/he must have a solid publication record that illustrates his/her ability to conduct novel, independent research. Graduate student applicants should have a MSc (preferred) or laboratory experience in addition to a BSc degree in a relevant field (see above). Outstanding written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a group are required.

Appointment and Application:

These positions are supported by extramural research grants. Post doctoral salary will be commensurate with experience; the appointment is initially for one year but is renewable, based on performance, for up to three years. The graduate positions include benefits and a tuition waiver. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and career goals, and the names and addresses of three academic references to: Dr. Mandy Joye, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602-3636; e-mail: mjoye@uga.edu; tel: 1-706-542-5893. Applications received by January 31, 2016 will receive full consideration. Please see the Joye Research Group site for more information about the research.