Keegstra Postdoctoral Researcher - Plant and Soil Sciences, Microbiology

Position Summary

We seek a motivated candidate to join our labs to explore the impact of recently generated hybrids of bioenergy sorghum on root-soil interactions, soil microbiome, and soil carbon sequestration. The candidate will have an opportunity to work at an exciting intersection of the latest advances in plant genetics, soil science, and microbiology, directed towards optimizing environmental performance and sustainability of bioenergy cropping systems. The experimental component of the position will involve greenhouse and field experimentation with novel hybrids, including (i) transgenic bioenergy sorghum, (ii) the use of 13C labeling to assess the quantities of the plant-derived carbon delivered to the soil and its subsequent fate and protection within the soil matrix, as well as (iii) microbiome composition characterization.

The candidate will be responsible for:

1. Conducting greenhouse experiments and participate in plant and soil sampling and data collection efforts from field experimental sites.
2. Performing measurements and analyses of plant and soil characteristics, and greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Performing nucleic acid extractions, sequencing library preparation, and community analysis.
4. Reporting the results in publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national/international conferences, as well as GLBRC meetings and events.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Plant Science, Soil Science, Microbiology, or related field

Minimum Requirements

The candidate must have:

• PhD in either Plant Science, Soil Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team of researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.
• A track record of publications in quality peer-review journals.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of plant-soil-microbial interactions.
• Expertise in stable isotope analyses.
• Pursuant to the GLBRC Keegstra Postdoctoral Researcher Grantor requirements, only individuals who have completed their Ph.D. in the last 3 years are eligible for this appointment.

Desired Qualifications

It is desirable that candidates possess these qualifications:

• Experience in soil and plant sampling and analyses.
• Experience with greenhouse and agricultural field experiments.
• Quantitative skills in bioinformatics and/or statistical analyses.

Required Application Materials

• Current CV,
• cover letter/letter of interest (2 pages max),
• three professional references with contact information,
• undergraduate and graduate transcripts listing the courses taken and grades received (does not need to be official),
• and a pdf of one published peer-reviewed manuscript where the applicant is the first author.

Special Instructions

Pursuant to the GLBRC Keegstra Postdoctoral Researcher Grantor requirements, only individuals who have completed their Ph.D. in the last 3 years are eligible for this appointment. The initial appointment is for two years, contingent on meeting program requirements, with a third year of support available contingent on demonstration of adequate progress and availability of funds. The salary for this position is up to 15% above the NIH recommended postdoc stipend with increases that align with institutional policies in years two and three.

At GLBRC, we strive to provide a holistic and well-rounded experience to our postdoctoral researchers, and we recognize the importance of supporting their professional development needs to ensure their successful transition to the career of their choosing. To complement the scientific training received in their lab, postdocs at GLBRC can:

• Attend and present at scientific research symposiums and/or conferences.
• Access cross-discipline research environments and training opportunities within GLBRC and cross-BRCs.
• Benefit from integrated career and professional development support (internal and external).
• Participate in Outreach and Community Engagement opportunities.

Website

https://www.glbrc.org/

Department Statement

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC, www.glbrc.org) is a cross-disciplinary and integrated research center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With Michigan State University and other collaborators, GLBRC draws on the expertise of over 400 scientists to address today’s greatest challenges to produce transportation fuels and high-value chemicals while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Within the DOE-funded Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) program, GLBRC collaborates with three other BRCs, each led by a DOE National Laboratory or a top university. Interactions between the centers help forge strong partnerships within the bioenergy research community in the U.S. and abroad, as well as with industry and government partners.

GLBRC is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that welcomes and supports everyone. We believe that a diverse research community is a prerequisite to conducting the foundational innovation necessary to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.