PhD Positions on organismal drivers of methane flux in the Amazon (modeling and geomicrobial) at ASU

Two PhD Positions in: "Ecosystem and Organismal Drivers of Methane flux in Amazon Peatlands" at the School of Life Sciences (SOLS), Arizona State University.

The Cadillo Lab in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) is seeking two PhD students. Research in the Cadillo Lab (https://cadillo-lab.asu.edu) examines interdisciplinary subjects related to ecosystems processes, carbon cycling and the role of microbes at different spatial scales.

The first PhD position focus on transdisciplinary work in ecosystem analysis and integrative modeling of microbes and methane flux predictions for Amazon peatlands. The incoming PhD student will participate in studies of spatial ecology of methane emission and ecosystem-level flux modeling, integrating trait-based predictions for microbial guilds including decomposers and methane-producing microbes. The student will join an NSF CAREER project including: field work in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, geochemistry studies and strong emphasis on ecosystem modeling. Prior research experience in CH₄ modeling, or ecosystem studies is desirable, and any level of microbial ecology is a plus but not strictly required. The student will be expected to demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively, participate in international training, and bridge field and laboratory-based research.

The second PhD position will focus on a collaborative research quantifying the activity and contribution of anaerobic methane oxidation to the annual budget in Amazon peatlands. Research in this program includes isotope tracers and SIP labelling, geomicrobiology assays, molecular ecology, and microbial genomics. Research in this program includes studies on greenhouse gas flux, isotope (natural abundance and tracer addition), SIP labelling and geomicrobial assays. Prior research experience in greenhouse gases fluxes and isotopic studies or geochemistry of anaerobic methane oxidation are highly desirable. Student will develop laboratory skills and field research experiences.

Students with appropriate background from any related field (geosciences, environmental microbiology, biochemistry, environmental sciences and others) are encouraged to apply to this multidisciplinary position.

Students with a record of publication or master’s degree, strong quantitative skills, and appropriate experiences will be given preference. Start date for graduate studies is Summer or Fall 2021. To express interest in the positions please email Prof Cadillo-Quiroz at hinsby@asu.edu and include 1) a statement of  research interests and experience, 2) a CV, and 3) a writing sample, if available. Candidates will be considered for PhD admission through either of the following programs: Environmental Life Sciences PhD program, PhD in Microbiology, or PhD in Biological Design (see program details: https://sols.asu.edu/degree-programs/graduate and https://sbhse.engineering.asu.edu/biologicaldesignoverview/). Preferred initial contact is requested before Dec 15 2020 to be closely follow by PhD application. Request after December 15th 2020 will be accepted but evaluation is not guaranteed.

ASU provides a strong and vibrant research environment through multiple units related to this project including the School of Life Sciences (https://sols.asu.edu), the Global Institute of Sustainability (https://sustainability.asu.edu/), the Biodesign Institute (https://biodesign.asu.edu/), and the School of Earth and Space Exploration (https://sese.asu.edu/), the Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics (https://biodesign.asu.edu/fundamental-and-applied-microbiomics), the Swetty center for Environmental Biotechnology (https://biodesign.asu.edu/environmental-biotechnology), and others.

ASU provides a strong research environment through the School of Life Sciences (https://sols.asu.edu), the Global Institute of Sustainability (https://sustainability.asu.edu/), and the Biodesign Institute (https://biodesign.asu.edu/) all which are involved in the Cadillo Lab research.