Research Associate and Project Coordinator: Biogeochemistry and genomics of plant-microbe interactions
We are looking for a research associate and project coordinator for a project at Michigan State University, recently funded by the Department of Energy. The project is focused on plant-microbe-nutrient interactions in biofuel cropping systems on degraded lands and will include: microbial genomics, transcriptomics and stable isotope probing; root exudate metabolomics and plant transcriptomics; and soil biogeochemical and plant functional trait measurements. The successful candidate will spend at least 50% of their time coordinating grant activities, which will include overseeing laboratory and field operations, coordinating travel to field sites and conferences; managing undergraduate student lab assistants; and assisting with data collection, entry and maintenance. For qualified and interested candidates, there will also be opportunities for contributions to experimental design, data analysis and manuscript preparation and publication, as well as work and training in bioinformatics. This position will require wide-ranging travel in Michigan and Wisconsin and travel between Michigan State University main campus and the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, which is located approximately 1.25 hours south of main campus. Applicants may choose to live near main campus or the biological station, with their primary employment location at either site. For more information, please see the following press release: http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2015/grant-to-help-increase-biofuel-yield-while-limiting-fertilizer-use/ And explore the project leaders' websites: Sarah Evans (http://saraheevanslab.weebly.com); Lisa Tiemann (http://tiemann.psm.msu.edu/); Maren Friesen (http://friesen.plantbiology.msu.edu/); Jim Cole (http://rdp.cme.msu.edu/) The successful candidate must have a Master’s or Ph.D. or commensurate experience in soil ecology, microbiology, biogeochemistry, plant ecology, plant biology or a closely related field with preference given to those with some experience in field biology, molecular or isotopic methods, and/or statistics and bioinformatics. Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes: a publication record from their Master’s or Ph.D. (papers published, in press, or submitted); creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things; excellent communication skills, both written and oral; experience with project coordination and/or demonstration of excellent organizational skills. This is a 2-year position renewable for up to 5 years contingent upon funding and/or performance. A start date of January 4, 2016 is preferred, but alternative start dates through May 2016 will be considered and should be noted in the cover letter. All questions about the position and application materials should be submitted to: Dr. Lisa Tiemann ([email protected]). Applications should be submitted by October 30th for full consideration but will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications, sent to Dr. Tiemann as a single pdf file, should include: 1) a brief cover letter (no more than 2-pages) that highlights past research accomplishments, describes future career and research goals and gives examples of project coordination and/or organizational skills; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) names and contact information for three references. MSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
