Undergraduate Research Opportunities [Always welcome]
I am always looking for undergraduates who are excited about research. Please contact me to see at laibin.huang@slu.edu.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Microbial Ecology Lab
if you are us citizen, please check this Postdoc fellowship: USDA-NIFA:
Current opening: [Spring, 2027]:The Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory at Saint Louis University is looking for a creative post-doctoral scientist with strong background in soil microbiome, multi-omics [metagenomics/transcriptomics/metabolomics], as well as bioinformatics.
Responsibilities: This researcher will assist the research team in conducting soil sampling in the field and assess soil functions using multi-omics analyses. The major tasks will include but are not limited:
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Develop AI-driven bioinformatics pipeline and analyze multi-omics data.
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Analyze Functional gene sequencing (pepA, chiA, nifH, amoA, nirK/S nosZ).
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Conduct soil incubation and activity measurement—N fixation, nitrification, denitrification.
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Quantify microbial functional genes using qPCR.
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Perform soil sampling and experiment design.
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Measure soil properties—soil pH, moisture content, Inorganic N, etc.
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Train undergrad and graduate students in the laboratory.
Qualifications: Applicants should have the following qualifications to be considered:
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PhD in microbial ecology/microbiology, and bioinformatics or related field.
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Experience in multi-omics pipeline development and analyses are required.
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Experience in wet lab: soil incubation, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction.
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Evidence of scientific productivity in the form of peer-reviewed publications.
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Ability to take a leadership role for the project.
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 via e-mail (1) a cover letter detailing the applicant’s research experience and starting date availability, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) the 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.”
PhD Students in Microbial Ecology Lab
Please email me at laibin.huang@slu.edu for the opening
PhD in Microbial Ecology Lab within Geoinformatics program
Start date: Spring 2027
The Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory in the department of Biology at Saint Louis University is looking for a Ph.D. student who is interested in soil metagenomics and Geoinformatics. This PhD will be recruited from Department of Earth, Environmental and Geospatial Science via 3-year Geoinformatics program. Co advised by Dr Laibin Huang (Microbiology) and Dr. Orhun Aydin (Geospatial Science).
Major research topic: Wetland C sequestration.
(1) Wetland Ecology: characterization of wetland soil properties (e.g., SOC, TC/N)
(2) Microbial controls on C cycling: Functional gene quantification and metagenomic sequence; CO2/CH4 emission measurement
(3) Geospatial modeling: ML prediction of C dynamics along the hydro gradients.
Qualifications: Students who have a background in soil science/Microbiology, Geospatial Science or a related field are strongly recommended to apply.
Tuition Waiver and Stipend: The selected applicant will be appointed as a Graduate Research Assistant with a stipend ($30,000/yr) plus health benefits and tuition remission.
Prior to applying, interested students are encouraged to e-mail Dr. Laibin Huang and Dr. Orhun Aydin with 1) a CV with GPA, 2) a one-page personal statement describing your scientific interests and career objectives, and 3) contact information of two references.
To Apply: Interested students should submit an application to the Geoinformatics program within the SLU.