Microbiome Ecology Research Associate (Postdoc)

Michigan State University (MSU) is a top institution for plant science and microbial ecology research. We currently have a position available for a postdoctoral research associate Department of Energy (DOE) Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. The successful applicant will join a collaborative team in conducting research to understand the role of the switchgrass microbiome for plant productivity on marginal lands. Gregory Bonito (Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences), Sarah Evans (Integrative Biology), and Ashley Shade (Microbiology and Molecular Genetics) will jointly advise the successful applicant. The position is initially for one year, with the possibility of an extension, contingent upon funding and work performance.

Switchgrass is a cellulosic bioenergy crop that is being tested for performance on non-arable (marginal) lands. We are seeking candidates with the skills to conduct microbiome research to understand the drivers and consequences of switchgrass rhizosphere communities, and to coordinate plant, fungal and bacteria based team-research activities across investigators’ labs. Experience in conducting field work and/or greenhouse work with plant- or soil- associated microbiomes is required. Strong wet-lab skills for generating high quality RNA and DNA from plant and microbial tissues, and quantitative skills in bioinformatics and statistics is expected. The successful applicant must be independent and motivated, and must hold a PhD in a field related to plant, soil, or microbial sciences, ecology, or bioinformatics/genomics. They will have skills in microbiology and molecular laboratory techniques, as well as strong writing and communication skills. The research associate will be located on the Michigan State University campus (East Lansing), but will frequently travel to the Kellogg Biological Station (Hickory Corners, MI) and other marginal land research sites for field work.

To learn more about the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and our exciting research activities, please visit our website at: www.glbrc.org

Please send a statement describing relevant skills, research accomplishments, and research interests (1-page maximum), a current CV, one representative publication, and contact information for three references to: Gregory Bonito (bonito@msu.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, as early as December 1, 2017.

MSU is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer