Post Doctoral Fellow

The Fridley and Tharayil Labs at Clemson University are seeking applications for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in ecosystem, soil and or microbial ecology to join a project involving long-term soil organic carbon dynamics in Clemson Experimental Forest CEF.

The successful applicant will characterize how physiological traits of dominant tree species influence the amount, quality, and stability of soil organic matter, involving field sampling and lab analysis of soil cores across CEF permanent plots. Activities include field core extraction, physical and chemical soil characterization, analysis of molecular-level organic composition, and field assays such as litter decomposition.

Responsibilities include student mentoring, grant writing, and statistical analysis. Some physical labor in forests near Clemson University is required. The project is a collaboration of ecologists across multiple departments and the successful applicant will help establish a university-wide working group on carbon sequestration across the CEF, including faculty, students, and professional forestry staff. Funding is available for two years with annual reappointment. Start date is flexible and could begin immediately.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a related field, and demonstrated research productivity and mentoring experiences in ecosystem, soil, and/or microbial ecology. Preference will be given to those applicants with experience in finer-scale soil organic matter characterization using mass spectrometry or related approaches.