THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

ANNOUNCEMENT NO: RA-05-017H

POSITION: Research Soil Microbiologist

LOCATION: Auburn, AL

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: The position is located within the Global Change Program at the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, Auburn, Alabama. The incumbent will assess trace gas efflux (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane) from soil within studies assessing the effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration on agricultural systems. Monitoring methods include use of Automated Carbon Efflux Systems (ACES) and gas chromatography. The incumbent will also assist with characterization of changes in soil microbial communities to aid explanation of potential differences in trace gas efflux and soil carbon storage.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in Soil Microbiology or a closely related field is required. Knowledge of methods for characterization of soil microbial communities (e.g., PCR-based techniques, phospho-lipid ester-linked fatty acid analysis, carbon substrate utilization using a commercial Biolog® system, and enzyme analyses), as well as familiarity with gas chromatography, are desirable.

INFORMATION ON APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS is available at: http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/hrdhomepage/vacancy/pd962.html

INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEE BENEFITS is available at: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei61.asp

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. G. Brett Runion
Plant Pathologist/Soil Microbiologist
USDA-ARS
National Soil Dynamics Laboratory
411 S. Donahue Drive
Auburn, AL 36832
(334) 844-4517
(334) 887-8597 (Fax)
gbrunion@ars.usda.gov