Postdoctoral Scholar in Clumped Isotope Compositions

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The GeoSciences Department at The Pennsylvania State University, is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to conduct research research on the clumped isotope compositions of methyl groups in the Lloyd Lab in the Geosciences Department at Penn State. The postdoc will contribute to a funded, collaborative project from NASA Exobiology on the isotopic fingerprints of biologic one-carbon reactions. The project tests the viability of the clumped isotope composition of methyl groups as a biosignature that can be transferred between compounds.

Specifically, the postdoc will lead a collaborative effort to measure and interpret the isotope effects associated with biologic methyl synthesis and transfer by representative autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms in order to test:
1. Whether the clumped isotopic composition of methyl groups synthesized by living organisms are systematically different than those synthesized by abiotic processes and
2. Whether biologic methyl shuffling leaves a discernible isotopic imprint, regardless of the source.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A PhD in stable isotope geochemistry, organic geochemistry, or microbial biogeochemistry or related discipline by appointment start date
• Demonstrated effective writing skills through high-quality reports and publications

Application Instructions
Interested Candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position and career goals, a CV including publication list, and names & contact information of up to three references.

Candidates are encouraged to contact the PI Max Lloyd (mlloyd@psu.edu) directly for more information.

This is a postdoctoral position, funded for one year from the date of hire, with excellent possibility of renewal pending available funding and satisfactory performance.

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