Graduate student position in soil microbiome- disease suppression research
The Soil Microbial Ecology Lab with the Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology at Mississippi State University seeks a graduate student to join a collaborative research group to study the interactions between the soil microbiome and an emerging soil borne pathogen for soybean crops.
Application deadline: Open until filled
Start date: ASAP
Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville MS
The student’s research will focus on the soil and crop management factors effecting the relationships between the abundance and distribution of soil microbial communities and the soil borne fungal pathogen responsible for Soybean Taproot Decline disease. The population of the pathogen will be tracked during infectious and latent periods via quantitative genomics. Additional research components include characterization of the active soil microbiome and evaluation of its functionality, analysis of the environmental factors influencing microbial niche differentiation, and network analysis.
The Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology (IGBB) (https://www.igbb.msstate.edu/) at Mississippi State University (MS State) was founded in 2011 to increase the ability of Mississippi scientists to lead high-throughput, multi-disciplinary projects focused on understanding the biomolecular interactions underlying the diversity, value, and sustainability of species of agricultural, medical, bioenergy, and/or ecological importance. The soil microbial ecology lab, housed in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, maintains a full complement of DNA extraction and preparation equipment as well as the capability for core soil and microbiological characterization. In addition, the lab draws on close collaboration with professional soil classifiers and crop consultants.
Annual stipend: Competitive
Benefits: Full tuition fee and insurance benefits paid
Description of Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Soil or Crop Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, or other closely related field. The lab seeks a highly motivated student with experience preferred in one or more of the following: basic microbiology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, as well as DNA/RNA extraction and PCR techniques. Bioinformatics or work with sequence data is also an asset. The ideal candidate will be passionate about science and sustainable agriculture and have strong interests in microbiology, molecular biology and/or microbial ecology. This candidate must have good communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
Date position will be available: Immediately
For additional information contact:
Dr. Shankar Ganapathi Shanmugam, email: sg383@igbb.msstate.edu