We are seeking to recruit a Research Associate to carry out experiments
to understand how microbes disperse across landscapes. Previous work in
the group has shown that microbes have distinct biogeographical patterns
(e.g. Science, 2005, 308: 1884), and that dispersal plays a major role
in determining local community composition (e.g. ISME Journal, 2010,
4:1357). The project will look at how dispersal affects the distribution
and abundance of microbial genes and species, and will focus in
particular on how microbes spill across habitat boundaries (e.g. Ecology
Letters, 2006, 9:603). The research will focus on agricultural
intensification as one key driver of soil microbial community spillover.
The research will use three complementary approaches. First, it will
look at dispersal across miniature landscapes in laboratory microcosms.
Second, it will track dispersal across plot boundaries in long-term
field experiments. Finally, it will conduct field surveys across habitat
boundaries to look at patterns under natural conditions. The research
will focus on the bacterial component but with the potential to extend
to other microbial groups. The research will include a combination of
culture-based and molecular 'omics approaches, and will inform and
benefit from theory relating to source-sink dynamics.
The position is funded by a NERC grant awarded to Dr Thomas Bell,
Professor Jason Tylianakis, and Professor Mick Crawley. The successful
applicant will join a large microbial ecology group at the Silwood Park
Campus. There is also the exciting opportunity to interact with project
partners Professor Bob Holt (University of Florida), Dr Noah Fierer
(University of Colorado), and Dr Rob Griffiths (CEH Wallingford).
For further details see:
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AMF147/research-associate-in-soil-microbial-ecology/
Tom
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Dr. Thomas Bell
Imperial College London
Silwood Park Campus
Buckhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY
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https://bellmicrobelab.wordpress.com/
+44 (0)20 7594 2268
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