1. Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Microbial Ecology Lab (temporally filled)
The Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory at Saint Louis University is always looking for a creative scientist or postdoc with strong background in soil microbiome and metagenomics to join an interdisciplinary team working on soil nitrogen cycling and N2O emissions in agricultural soils.
Please email me at laibin.huang@slu.edu for the availability
Postdoc fellowship: USDA-NIFA (Sep 5th 2024): chrome-extension://mhnlakgilnojmhinhkckjpncpbhabphi/pages/pdf/web/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nifa.usda.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-03%2FFY24-AFRI-EWD-RFA-P.pdf
Responsibilities: This researcher will assist the research team in conducting soil sampling and greenhouse gas measurements in the field and assess soil microbiological processes associated with nitrogen cycling/N2O emissions in agricultural soils. The major tasks of this position will include:
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Perform N2O flux measurements in agricultural soils or grasslands/wetlands.
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Determine the net and potential nitrification/denitrification rates in soils collected in agroecosystems.
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Quantify the changes in the soil microbial community, paying specific attention to members carrying genes associated with the process of nitrification/denitrification. The molecular method (qPCR/metagenomics) will quantify denitrifiers using the functional genes nirK, nirS, and nosZ as proxies of community structure.
Qualifications: Applicants should have the following qualifications to be considered:
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Ph.D. in microbial ecology, soils and biogeochemistry, microbiology, or related field.
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Experience in molecular biology, 16S rRNA, and functional gene high throughput sequencing.
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Evidence of scientific productivity in the form of peer-reviewed publications related to microbial N cycling, and/or metagenomic analysis is required.
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Evidence of excellence in communicating science.
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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, dental, and life insurance benefits are provided. The appointment is for 1 year with the possibility of an extension for an additional year pending satisfactory progress.
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.”
2. PhD and M.S. Students in Microbial Ecology Lab
The Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory at Saint Louis University (#105 of USA by US news) is looking for Ph.D. and/or M.S. students who are interested in soil microbiomes, global changes, bioinformatics and metagenomics. Start date: 2025
Qualifications: Students who have a background in Environmental science/soil science, Ecology, Microbiology, Biogeochemistry, or a related field are strongly recommended to apply.
Tuition Waiver and Stipend: The selected applicant will be appointed as a Teaching/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 at laibin.huang@slu.edu 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 Biology Program under Physical, Natural and Biomedical Science Category (GRE not required) within the SLU Graduate School (https://www.slu.edu/apply.php: Physical, Natural and Biomedical Science-->Apply to Biology).
3. Undergraduate Research Opportunities
I am always looking for undergraduates who are excited about research. Please contact me to see if there are any positions available at laibin.huang@slu.edu.