Postdoctoral Research Associate: Soil Microbial and Stable Isotope Ecology - MSU
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A.
A postdoctoral research associate position is available at Michigan State University to work on a U.S. Department of Energy funded project in the lab of Dr. Lisa Tiemann, (http://tiemann.psm.msu.edu/) collaborating with Drs. Sarah Evans, Maren Friesen and James Cole (project website: http://rhizosphere.weebly.com/). The labs involved in this project work across several departments including Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Integrative Biology and Plant Biology. The recently funded project is focused on understanding linkages between the rhizosphere microbiome and the plant transcriptome that controls plant C allocation in support of N acquisition. We envision this research associate will focus on soil biogeochemical assays and stable isotope analyses (including 15N pool dilution and 13CO2 pulse-chase coupled with stable isotope probing), but may also include microbial genomics and transcriptomics.
The position will include some combination of the following activities: Assisting with field work in research sites across Michigan and Wisconsin; conducting and/or coordinating biogeochemical analyses, including stable isotope pulse-chase experiments and stable isotope probing; molecular work including DNA and RNA extraction, high-throughput quantitative-PCR, and sample preparation for sequencing; data analysis and manuscript preparation; presentation of results at national and international scientific meetings. In addition, the research associate will assist with lab organization and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and engage in a stimulating research environment created by multiple researchers working on coordinated aspects of the project. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. with a research focus in soil ecology, soil microbiology, soil science, biogeochemistry, or a closely related field with preference given to those with experience in isotopic methods. Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes: A strong publication record from their Ph.D. (papers published, in press, or submitted); creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things; excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
The position is renewable annually for up to 4 years, contingent upon funding and/or job performance. A start date of September 1, 2016 is preferred, but alternative timelines will be considered and should be noted in the cover letter. All questions about the position and application materials should be submitted to: Lisa Tiemann ltiemann [-at-] msu.edu.
Applications should include:
1) a brief cover letter (no more than 2-pages) that highlights past research accomplishments, how your previous experience will benefit this project and your future research goals;
2) a curriculum vitae;
3) names and contact information for three references.
MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
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