Postdoctoral Research Associate I
Tucson, AZ 
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Posted 18 months ago
Position No Longer Available
Position No Longer Available
Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Associate I
Posting Number req9611
Department Environmental Science-Res
Department Website Link https://environmentalscience.cals.arizona.edu/
Location Main Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights Postdoctoral Scientist Position: The Role of Soils in the Spread of Valley Fever
We are seeking a motivated and energetic postdoctoral scientist to join an interdisciplinary research team on a project designed to better understand the role of soil composition and seasonal soil dynamics in the spread of fungal spores of Coccidioides posadasii - the infectious agent of Valley Fever. The research team comprises soil scientists, atmospheric scientists, microbiologists, and medical disease specialists from the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University. This collaborative team will be combining soils investigations with atmospheric particulate matter sampling, detection of Coccidioides spores in air sampled at positive soil locations, genome analysis from environmental and clinical samples, and geospatial modeling/visualization of diverse Valley Fever data. The goal is to better resolve "hot spots" and "hot moments" of Valley Fever disease spread in Arizona landscapes.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scientist will hold primary responsibility for identifying soil characteristics most frequently associated with high prevalence of Cocci spores and determining the soil and ambient atmospheric conditions that promote the aerosolized suspension and off-site transport of Cocci spores from those locations. We seek to answer the question: What physico-chemical soil characteristics and conditions promote Cocci spore release? The data generated will inform a geospatial risk model.

This will involve:

  • Establishing and maintaining instrumented soil sensor networks for collection of continuous data streams at selected field sites (soil moisture and temperature probes, weather stations, dataloggers);
  • Excavating soil profiles for depth-dependent sampling for subsequent laboratory analyses;
  • Analyzing soil samples for biogeochemical composition (organic matter content and chemistry, mineral and metals composition, nutrient and ion concentrations, particle size distributions);
  • Conducting additional investigations and analyses depending on the postdoctoral scientists interests and expertise.
  • The postdoc will join the research group of Prof. Jon Chorover in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona, which is focusing on the soils component of this larger study.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geosciences, or a related field.
  • Evidence of capacity to work well in an interdisciplinary team context.
  • Experience that demonstrates understanding of, and interest in, the role of soils in environmental health and quality
  • Ability to drive according to the University .
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay DOE based on NIH postdoctoral stipends $53,760+
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 7/4/2022
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Dr. Jon Chorover (chorover@arizona.edu)
Open Date 4/19/2022
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant Applicants should upload (1) cover letter describing interests and background, (2) up-to-date curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information for at least three professional references. Reviews of applications begin 5/30/2022.
Diversity Statement At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As an Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.


The University of Arizona is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

 

Position No Longer Available
Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full or Part Time
Required Education
Doctorate
Required Experience
Open
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