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Postdoc Researcher (Soil microbial community modifications and mineral nutrient release effected by bio-inoculants): London

The Departments of Earth Sciences and Life Sciences at the Natural History Museum, London is offering a postdoc position. This will involve training and carrying out multidisciplinary investigation of soil microbial community modifications and mineral nutrient release effected by bio-inoculants. Candidates from the Earth sciences and biological sciences can apply.

About the role

This is a multidisciplinary position including soil mineralogy, soil chemistry and soil microbiology within the H2020-funded EXCALIBUR project in Dr. Javier Cuadros’ and Dr. Anne Jungblut’s research teams at the Earth and Life Sciences Departments, Natural History Museum, London. The project aims to gain a better knowledge of underground soil biodiversity and their synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches in horticulture. Soil microbial bio-inoculants and bio-effectors are being tested on three model crops of economic importance such as tomato, apple, and strawberry under different experimental and open-field conditions across Europe. Feedback effects of and on native soil biodiversity and nutrient availability will be monitored.

The work will provide an excellent opportunity for a post-doctoral research scientist to train and carry out multidisciplinary investigation of soil microbial community modifications and mineral nutrient release effected by bio-inoculants. The postdoctoral research scientist will take a leading role in designing and developing laboratory experiments with natural soils and bio-inoculants, and in testing how soil microbial assemblages respond to the presence bio-inoculants and how mineral nutrient availability is modified. The investigation includes the use and integration of mineralogical and chemical methods as well as molecular methods, and it is foreseen that the successful candidate will require training to complement his/her previous experience.

About you

You will have a PhD in Earth sciences or biological sciences, with a background knowledge of soils,  and experience on either X-ray diffraction techniques for mineral analysis and chemical analysis of soils OR extraction of DNA from soil samples, PCR techniques and bioinformatic tools for microbial community analysis. As well as excellent written and oral communication skills, you will be interested to be trained and acquire advanced knowledge in new experimental techniques.

How to apply:

Apply online on the Natural History Museum’s careers portal, and provide:

  • A comprehensive CV giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts as well as your education and professional qualifications
  • A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the person specification
  • Please ensure your letter includes details of your latest salary and notice period.
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