PostDoc in Microbiology of Soil and Plant Associated Microorganisms

Position Summary: A postdoctoral position is available in Dr. Loïs Maignien’s laboratory and Dr. Hilary Morrison’s laboratory in the Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution to study rhizosphere microorganisms during plant development. This project uses Brassica rapaas a model organism and will seek to understand how temporal changes in microbial community structure at the taxonomic, genomic and transcriptomic level influence plant growth, physiology and gene expression in a controlled greenhouse system. This research is integrated with a larger collaborative and interdisciplinary project funded by NSF and will involve close interactions with plant science, modelling and bioinformatics partner labs. (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1444571).

Dr Maignien, who will be the primary advisor, has a joint appointment at the University of Brest (France) and at MBL in Woods Hole (http://pagesperso.univ-brest.fr/~maignien/index.html).  At the MBL, the Maignien Lab focuses on understanding plant microorganisms interactions in natural and controlled environments. The lab uses various ‘omics and bioinformatics approaches including genome-resolved metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to study microbial community structure and dynamics.  For more information about the laboratory, please contact Dr. Maignien at lois.maignien@mbl.edu.

Dr Morrison is a MBL year-round resident scientist with research interests in parasite genomics, microbial ecology, and sequencing technology. You can read more about Morrison’s research at http://www.mbl.edu/jbpc/staff/morrison/and contact Dr.  Morrison for more information at hmorrison1981@gmail.com.

The position is available immediately and is for one year, renewable for a second year depending upon progress. The position is based at MBL in Woods Hole, but the project will give opportunities to spend extended period of time at the University of  Brest or in partner labs in Wyoming (Weinig lab) or the University of Chicago.

Basic Qualifications:  To apply for this position, you should hold a Ph.D. degree in microbiology, preferentially focused on soil or plant-associated microorganisms, with a record of scientific rigor, productivity, and creativity. In addition, you should have a good background in bioinformatics, including knowledge of the Unix environment, bash and python scripting, and data analysis with R.

Excellent oral and written communication skills will be required to carry out research in a highly collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants with experience in handling and analysis of complex environmental ‘omics datasets, including genome-resolved metagenomics, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements: Minimal exposure to biohazardous chemicals. Occasional lifting of heavy objects (<30 pounds).

Special Instructions to Applicants:  To apply,  please submit:

(1) Cover letter describing your research goals and motivation for joining the lab;

(2) CV;

(3) 1-2 page research statement; and

(4) Contact information for three references

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