Postdoc Position on Assessment of the anthropogenically modified ecosystems state

Research Center: Department of Soil Sciences and Land Resources Assessment, The Research Laboratory "Biosphere Monitoring" of Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, The Research Laboratory "Ecological soil monitoring" of Academy of Biology and Biotechnology
University: Southern Federal University
Location: Rostov-on-Don, Russia
Research supervisor: Dr. Prof. Tatiana Minkina
Job Type: Full time
Career Stage: > 3 years of experience after PhD
Closing Date: not limited
Salary: 85000 roubles per month including tax

Introduction

Department of Soil Sciences and Land Resources Assessment, The Research Laboratory "Biosphere Monitoring" of Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, The Research Laboratory "Ecological soil monitoring" of Academy of Biology and Biotechnology of Southern Federal University, Russia, seeks a postdoctoral researcher for a collaborative project "Assessment of the anthropogenically modified ecosystems state". The project is aimed to the development a system of biogeochemical indicators for assessing anthropogenically modified ecosystems. The system of biogeochemical indicators should be integrated into the international soil assessment system. The pollution of ecosystems with both organic and inorganic pollutants, including nanoscale ones, will be studied. A combination of sequential selective extractions and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS and XANES) methods will be used for the forms of heavy metals in macro- and nanoforms) in soils. Bioindication of pollution will be carried out based on the modification of plants growing in anthropogenically altered territories. Morphometric and ultrastructural changes in plants will be studied using electron microscopy. Comparison of the results obtained for different types of soils, plant species, and composition of soil biota, typical for the territory of the South of Russia and other countries, will be carried out.

Job Requirements

 - The successful candidate should hold a recent PhD in nanotechnology, microbiology, biotechnology, plant physiology, biochemistry, soil science, soil chemistry, analytical chemistry and be fluent in English (not lower than upper intermediate). The knowledge of Russian language is a bonus.
 - The candidate should also have experience in the field of environmental chemistry, soil science at least 1 year, possession of the skills of writing articles and publishing in high-ranking journals Scopus, Web of Science, regulatory documents, experience with methods of analysis of heavy metals and PAHs in soils, sediments, soils, plant material.
 - Work experience in an analytical and/or agrochemical laboratory for at least 1 year, possession of skills in working with analytical equipment, regulatory documents, experience with methods of analysis of heavy metals and PAHs in soils, sediments, soils, plant material. Proficiency in working with liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry or atomic absorption spectrophotometer is encouraged.
 - Research performance indicators (in Scopus system): number of publications in the relevant field is no less than 7, h-index not less than 2 (Scopus), impact factor of journals in which the applicant was published not less than 0.5, citation of publications - not less than 10 citations per 2020 (Scopus)
 - Other requirements: proficiency in English and the ability to freely express themselves in the field of research on the project.
 - Applicants are expected to have a work experience in international research team.

What we offer

 - Employment contract at least for 3 years, available since visa invitation letter receiving form University.
 - The postdoc will be involved in various scientific work related to constant contact with members of the scientific group, including using multimedia tools for effective simultaneous discussion of the results obtained and writing articles in Scopus and Web of Science.
 ​​​​​​​- The equipment of the following research centers will be used for the project: Center for Collective Use "Biotechnology, Biomedicine and Environmental Monitoring", Center for Collective Use "High Technologies", Center for Collective Use "Modern Microscopy".

How to Apply

International candidates are welcome to apply.

The application is sent to ityu@sfedu.ru

Interested applicants should submit a motivation letter, a full curriculum vitae, list of publications or related projects in the research field, a recommendation letter.

Enquires should be made to: Irina Tyutunnikova ityu@sfedu.ru