Postdoc examining rhizosphere microbial community ecology, with a focus on bioenergy systems, in the Evans Lab at Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State Univ, Hickory Corners, MI. Application review to begin January 8, 2018.
Position: A postdoctoral position is available in the Evans Lab (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com) at Kellogg Biological Station (Michigan State University) to examine shifts in microbial community composition and function in bioenergy cropping systems. The postdoc would contribute to two highly interrelated projects. The first is the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, a large multi-PI and interdisciplinary project, of which one part is examining the potential of the plant- associated microbiome to sustainably enhance stress tolerance of plants in degraded lands. Work on this project involves investigations into the fundamental mechanisms that underlie plant-microbe interactions and implications of changing management regimes (e.g. fertilizer). The second project, MMPRNT (Microbial Mediated Perennial Rhizosphere Nitrogen Transformations) is a multi-PI DOE-funded project at MSU that examines how the rhizosphere microbiome of perennial grasses influence plant nitrogen availability. This work leverages GLBRC sites, and overlaps in scope. The postdoc could take advantage of powerful time series dataset of community composition already collected (with associated biogeochemical metadata), and interact with a diverse array of high-caliber staff, postdocs, and graduate students working on both projects. In addition to research and career development, a proportion of this position (10%) involves coordination among the two projects (data management, communication, training), and is ideal for a candidate looking for exposure to multi-PI projects, mentoring, and close interactions with several collaborative laboratories (including Shade, Bonito and Tiemann at MSU). Qualifications: A PhD in an appropriate discipline is required, as is demonstration of strong written and oral communication skills. Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analysis of microbial community composition (i.e. amplicon sequencing) data is strongly preferred. Other skillsets relevant to the project, and that the postdoc could apply or potentially learn, are stable isotope probing, high-throughput quantitative PCR, culture isolation and assessment of plant growth-promotion, greenhouse experimentation, and shotgun metagenomic analysis. Start date and salary: The postdoctoral appointment is for one year, and renewable annually for at least 2 years, after which is contingent on funding. Ideal start date is Spring 2018 (preferably January-May 2018); describe preferred start date and/or constraints in the cover letter. To apply: You will need a 1) cover letter (including research accomplishments, future research interests and directions, and relevant field, lab, and data analysis skills), 2) CV, 3) a representative publication (published or in press), and 4) contact information (name, position, phone, email) for three references. Go to careers.msu.edu to apply and search position #481447. Contact evans...@msu.edu with questions. We will begin reviewing applications January 8, 2017, and continue until the position is filled. MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, first-generation college students, and persons underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply. The Evans Lab: (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com): is interested in topics ranging from microbial community biogeography and assembly to the role of microbes in global carbon cycling and plant growth. To investigate these questions, we use molecular techniques, physiological assays, modeling, and terrestrial climate manipulations. The lab is currently a vibrant and supportive community of graduate students and lab technicians/managers and undergraduates. The Evans Lab strives to create a diverse environment that supports individuals regardless of cultural background, race, orientation, or ethnicity. Kellogg Biological Station: (www.kbs.msu.edu) is a premier biological research station located ~65 miles from the main campus of Michigan State. It is home to 11 faculty and their graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, with interests ranging from biogeochemistry to community ecology to evolution, as well as full-time research staff, visiting research scientists, and many summer undergraduates. KBS is home to the KBS LTER program (www.lter.kbs.msu.edu), the GLBRC, and a new Molecular Ecology and Genomics Laboratory. KBS and the Evans Lab are committed to postdoctoral research career development; providing postdocs with opportunities in mentoring, teaching, and other professional skills.
