Postdoctoral Research Associate, Microbial Ecology Lab

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

The Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory at Saint Louis University is looking for a creative post-doctoral scientist with strong background in soil microbiome and metagenomics, as well as enzyme activities to join an interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities: This researcher will assist the research team in conducting soil sampling and/or greenhouse gas measurements in the field and assess soil microbiological processes associated with nitrogen and carbon cycling. The researcher will also be involved in different projects (e.g. USDA--soil health/microbiome, and funded NASA program). The major tasks will include but are not limited:

1. USDA--soil health/microbiome

• Perform soil sampling and experiment design in agriculture and/or grassland, forestry.

• Determine the microbial enzyme activities related to N and C cycling in soils.

• Measure soil properties—soil pH, moisture content, Inorganic N, etc.

• Quantify nmicrobial functional genes [N cycling—nifH, amoA, nirK, nirS, and nosZ; C cycling—lacZ, mcrA, rbcL, nagZ] using qPCR.

• Conduct amplicon, metagenomic/metatranscriptomic sequence analyses

• Training undergrad and graduate students in the laboratory

2. NASA program

• Perform experiment design related to Anaerobic Digestion and Phototrophic Biosystem for Sustainable Space Habitats.

• Determine the microbial enzyme activities related to CH4 production in the digestion system.

• Characterization of microbial communities via amplicon sequencing.

• Training undergrad and graduate students in the laboratory.

Qualifications: Applicants should have the following qualifications to be considered:

PhD in microbial ecology, soils and biogeochemistry, microbiology or related field. Experience in molecular biology, 16S rRNA and functional gene high throughput sequencing. Evidence of scientific productivity in the form of peer-reviewed publications related to microbial N and C cycling, and/or metagenomic analysis is required. Evidence of excellency in communicating science. Ability to take a leadership role for specific components of the project associated with soil sampling, processing, and analyses of metagenomic samples and ability to work independently as well as a productive member of a team.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience. Health insurance benefits are provided. The appointment is for 1 year with the possibility of an additional year pending satisfactory progress.

Application Deadline: This position will be open until it is filled.

Application: Interested applicants should send (1) a cover letter detailing the applicant’s research experience and starting date availability, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) name, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references to Dr. Laibin Huang (laibin.huang@slu.edu). Please, include the following in the subject line of the e-mail: “Your Last Name - PD Application.”

For more career options and details please visit: https://slu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers

Equal opportunity/affirmative action Statement: Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodation is needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.

Function

Research Support

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All quali