The Follstad Shah Lab at the University of Utah seeks to mentor postdoctoral candidates conducting research on a number of macroecological projects related to carbon cycling and microbial enzyme expression in streams and rivers.
Project Option 1 – Synthesis of decomposition patterns at the global scale
This project would extend data analyses presented in Follstad Shah et al. 2017 and Tiegs et al. 2019 to examine the effect of ecosystem trophic status on the temperature sensitivity of leaf litter decomposition and compare differences in temperature sensitivity for leaves and cellulose strips amongst Earth’s biomes. Datasets are available and preliminary analyses for both focal areas have been conducted. Hence, there is high probability two papers could result from the efforts of a postdoctoral candidate.
Project Option 2 – Regional & global syntheses of microbial ecoenzyme expression in urban streams and rivers
This project would enhance analyses conducted as part of the Carbon in Urban Rivers Biogeochemistry project, which has been funded by the National Science Foundation, by quantifying microbial investment in carbon and nutrient resources via expression of ecoenzymes. These data also will contribute to a growing database on microbial ecoenzyme expression in surface waters, which to date does not exist, and will ultimately be compared to patterns of ecoenzyme expression in soils and sediments (Sinsabaugh et al. 2009).
Responsibilities: Laboratory analyses, synthesis of data from published literature, database management, data analysis and visualization using R, report and manuscript preparation, development of at least one extramural grant, mentorship of student assistants.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or Civil (Water Resource) Engineering; be U.S. Citizens or have a U.S. Visa; and be awarded one of the funding options listed below.
Funding: Qualified applicants must collaborate with the project PI to develop and submit a postdoctoral research proposal to either the Society, Water, and Climate Postdoctoral Fellowship (review of applications will begin January 15, 2023, with acceptance of proposals until position is filled) or the Wilkes Center Postdoctoral Program (deadline for submissions February 1, 2023). Resources will be provided by project PI to facilitate proposal submission. Awardees will receive one year of stipend plus benefits, with the potential to renew for a second year.
Please submit inquiries to Dr. Jennifer Follstad Shah (jennifer.shah@envst.utah.edu).