Openings for GLBRC Postdoctoral Research Associates in Microbial Engineering
Several Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in systems/synthetic biology are available in Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC; https://www.glbrc.org/) with the following investigators:
GLBRC is one of four bioenergy research centers, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy which seeks to advance society’s ability to produce green fuels and chemicals from dedicated energy crops. The position provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Michigan State University and elsewhere.
The research focuses on understanding microbial pathways involved in the conversion of energy crops into fuels and products. By mining genomes of bacteria we are designing bacterial hosts capable of converting biomass-derived components into substitutes for fuels and chemicals that are currently derived from petroleum. The research combines genomics, systems, synthetic and computational biology, with metabolism, enzymology and genetics to design and assemble microbial chassis that generate valuable products from energy crops.
The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in relevant biological, computational sciences, or engineering field and enjoy working in a collaborative team setting. They will deploy state of the art functional genomic approaches to improve metabolic engineering of bacteria. Desired skills include an ability or interest to combine analytic, chemical, computational, molecular biology, genomic, and biochemical methods to understand and develop new microbial hosts. Candidates should have a track record of publication in quality peer-review journals, creativity, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
Madison, Wisconsin, as home of UW–Madison, is a top ten research institution (https://news.wisc.edu/uw-retains-top-10-national-research-ranking/) and one of the best places to live and work in the United States (https://www.visitmadison.com/media/rankings/). The individuals will be mentored by dedicated faculty with a track record of training next generation scientists. They will be able to mentor junior scientists, make oral presentations, and work as part of cross-disciplinary teams. The position comes with excellent benefits and professional development opportunities through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Postdoctoral Studies (https://postdoc.wisc.edu/).
A start date in Fall 2021 is preferred, but alternative timelines will be considered and should be noted in a cover letter. Questions about the position and application materials should be submitted to Patricia Kiley (pjkiley@wisc.edu), Tim Donohue (tdonohue@bact.wisc.edu) or Dan Noguera (noguera@engr.wisc.edu). Applicants will be interviewed electronically and possibly in person. Applications will be reviewed immediately and be considered until these positions are filled.
Applicants can send a single pdf file that includes:
- a cover letter (1-2 pages) highlighting research accomplishments, how your previous experience will benefit this project, and how the position aligns with your future career goals;
- a curriculum vitae;
- names and contact information for three references.
UW–Madison is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that is committed to a building a diverse and inclusive workplace and culture.