Research Project Coordinator and Research Associate: Biogeochemistry and genomics of plant-microbe interactions
We are looking for a project coordinator and research associate for a multi-PI project at Michigan State University funded by the Department of Energy. The project examines plant-microbe-nutrient interactions in grass systems in Michigan and Wisconsin to explore potential for bioenergy sustainability. It combines many approaches including microbial genomics and stable isotope probing; root exudate metabolomics and plant transcriptomics; and soil biogeochemistry and plant functional ecology. The successful candidate will be expected to serve as project manager, and will: coordinate laboratory and field work; oversee undergraduate student lab assistants; assist with the planning and implementation of experiments; and assist with data collection, entry and maintenance of a project-wide database. There will also be opportunities for contributions to experimental design, data analysis and manuscript preparation, as well as work and training in bioinformatics or other methods, depending on the background and interests of the successful candidate. This position will require periodic travel in Michigan and Wisconsin and travel between Michigan State University main campus (coPIs Tiemann and Cole labs) and the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (Evans Lab), which is located approximately 1.25 hours southwest of main campus in East Lansing. This position will primarily be based in the Evans lab at Kellogg Biological Station, near Kalamazoo, MI, to coordinate with other lab members and field technicians. Qualified candidates will have a Masters degree (or equivalent combination of education and research experience) with a focus in soil ecology, microbiology, biogeochemistry, plant ecology, plant biology or a closely related field with preference given to those with some experience in chemical assays, molecular or isotopic methods, database management, project management, or bioinformatics. Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes: a publication record from their graduate work (if applicable; 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. A start date of April 1, 2018 is preferred, but alternative timelines will be considered and should be noted in the cover letter. Applications should be submitted directly to MSU COMPASS on jobs.msu.edu (Posting #486736). The first application review will be February 13, 2018. Please contact Sarah Evans ([email protected]) with questions or to inquire about submitting an application after this period. Applications consist of: 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. About Kellogg Biological Station: KBS (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 LTER program (www.lter.kbs.msu.edu), the GLBRC, and a new Molecular Ecology and Genomics Laboratory. The Evans Lab (www.saraheevanslab.weebly.com) is committed to creating a positive, open, and safe work environment. We also strive to create opportunities for career development for all lab members, including students, visitors, technicians, and postdocs.
