Visiting Research Scientist - Department of Plant Biology

The Department of Plant Biology is searching for a Visiting Research Scientist to work with Dr. Wendy Yang to conduct soil application experiments to test a newly developed oxygen laser monitor in support of a DOE SBIR Phase II project led by Aerodyne Research Instruments. Work will also include assisting with field research and developing new methods for high precision elemental and isotopic of soil, gas, plant biomass, and soil solutions in support of the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation’s goal to improve mechanistic understanding of plant-soil-microbe interactions influencing carbon and nitrogen cycling in bioenergy cropping systems.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. 

Required: Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or related field; three years of postdoctoral research experience; field and laboratory research in soil biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, soil extracellular enzyme assays, wet chemistry); running, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation including isotope ratio mass spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, gas chromatograph; and method development or tinkering with major analytical instrumentation.

Preferred: Experience working cooperatively within a large collaborative team; Experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications; supervisory experience.

Successful candidates will have knowledge of data analysis using R, stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry; excellent organizational skills; proven dependability, punctuality and ability to complete high quality work during tedious tasks; effective oral and written communication skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Field research may be conducted in the outdoors under harsh environmental conditions including sunny, hot, humid, or rainy conditions.

This is a full-time (100%) visiting academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. Position may become regular at a later date. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To apply for this position, please create a candidate profile at https://go.illinois.edu/VstResSci-PlantBiology, directly apply to our position and upload your cover letter and resume or CV by April 15, 2020. Online application will require names and contact information including email addresses for three professional references. Full consideration will be given to complete applications received by the closing date. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-6747. For further information on this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu.