Postdoc: microbial community assembly & function, Evans Lab, Michigan State Univ
Position: A postdoctoral position is available in the Evans Lab (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com) at Kellogg Biological Station (Michigan State University) to examine the role of microbial dispersal and colonization in soil or plant processes. The postdoc would take advantage of ongoing experiments and datasets from the Namib Desert, Namibia (hyper-arid, fog-driven desert), and and/or on-site experiments on managed lands (KBS LTER, GLBRC) addressing questions related to microbial effects on ecosystem function, precipitation/wind-mediated dispersal, and the role of dispersal in functional legacies to land use or global change. Qualifications: A PhD in an appropriate discipline is required, as is demonstration of strong written and oral communication skills. Experience with metagenomic/metatranscriptomic techniques, pipelines, and statistical analysis is preferred, but other skillsets that can be applied to research projects will also be considered (e.g. isotopes, microscopy, modeling). Start date and salary: The postdoctoral appointment is renewable annually for at least 2 years, after which is contingent on funding. Ideal start date is May 2017, other start dates (preferably March-August 2017) will be considered; constraints should be described in a cover letter. Salary will begin at $50,000. To apply: Please send a 1) cover letter (including research accomplishments, future research interests and directions, and relevant field, lab, and data analysis skills), 2) CV, 3) a representative publication (published or in press), and 4) contact information (name, position, phone, email) for three references to [email protected]. We will begin reviewing applications February 1, 2017, and continue until the position is filled (notice will be posted on lab website). The Evans Lab: (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com): is interested in topics ranging from microbial community biogeography and assembly to the role of microbes in global carbon cycling and plant growth. We study bacteria, fungi, and archaea. To investigate these questions, we use molecular techniques, physiological assays, modeling, and terrestrial climate manipulations. The lab is currently a vibrant community of graduate students and lab technicians/managers and undergraduate research assistants. The Evans Lab strives to create a diverse environment that supports individuals regardless of cultural background, race, orientation, or ethnicity. Kellogg Biological Station: (www.kbs.msu.edu) is a premier biological research station located ~65 miles from the main campus of Michigan State. It is home to 11 faculty and their graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, with interests ranging from biogeochemistry to community ecology to evolution, as well as full-time research staff, visiting research scientists, and many summer undergraduates. KBS is home to the KBS Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program (www.lter.kbs.msu.edu), the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC), and a new Molecular Ecology and Genomics Laboratory. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with faculty on main campus in the Center for Microbial Ecology, and Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and Integrative Biology. KBS and the Evans Lab are committed to postdoctoral research career development; providing postdocs with opportunities to gain experience in mentoring, teaching, and other professional skills.
