A postdoctoral position is available at Michigan State University in microbial ecology. This position will be jointly supervised between the Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (Tom Schmidt, http://www.mmg.msu.edu/127.html) and Crop and Soil Sciences (Stuart Grandy, https://www.msu.edu/~grandya1/stuartgrandy.html). Research will be part of a project examining whether increasing plant species diversity in Midwestern row-crop systems can enhance microbial diversity and function, nutrient cycling, and soil organic matter retention. Responsibilities include assessment of total bacterial diversity through Tag-sequencing of 16S genes, and determining changes in the denitrifier community through molecular surveys of nirK – a central gene in bacterial denitrification. These measurements will be combined with standard and modified carbon and nitrogen-cycle enzyme assays to link changes in microbial community structure to nutrient cycling.
Applicants with considerable experience using nucleic acid based methods for microbial community assessment are encouraged to apply but priority will be given to those with additional experience in ecosystem ecology, agronomy, or biogeochemistry. To apply, please send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and the name and contact information for three references to Stuart Grandy ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin August 28 and continue until the position is filled. The position start date is flexible but expected to be in the fall 2009 or early 2010 with an initial appointment of one year with an additional year possible. Salary will be $38-42k per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
