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The Bennetzen Lab postdoctoral position is that of an experienced researcher who will investigate the interactions of grass (switchgrass, sorghum, maize) genetics with microbial populations (particularly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), other fungi and other microbes).
The positive contributions of microbes to crop productivity have been broadly documented, but the same microbes can vary in their contributions, from highly beneficial to functionally parasitic, depending on the field environment. Though the contributions of some plant genes in beneficial plant-microbe interactions have been studied in controlled laboratory conditions, none of these interactions are well understood in field conditions, and it is likely that whole categories of interactions are completely unknown at this stage. We have recently identified plant genome segments (QTL) that determine which AMF and other microbial taxa are abundant in the root/soil environment under field conditions. We will use a combination of plant genetics and microbiomics to unravel the plant-microbe-environment system and investigate their effects on improved sorghum performance under different field conditions.
The postdoctoral associate working on this project will need expertise in computational biology (e.g., microbial genome analysis, GWAS, principal component analysis) and lab bench research, including nucleic acid purification, genomic library preparation and basic microbiology. The position is available immediately and funded for 3 years, but applicants with an interest in 2-4 years of participation will also be considered.
Ph.D. in the life sciences. The postdoctoral fellow working on this project will need expertise in computational biology (e.g., microbial genome analysis, GWAS, principal component analysis) and lab bench research, including nucleic acid purification, genomic library preparation and basic microbiology.
Expertise in plant molecular genetics and genomic data analysis are essential. Experience in plant-microbe interactions, field research design, AMF and/or sorghum.