Graduate student position in soil microbiome 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 agricultural practices in an integrated crop-livestock system.

Application deadline: Open until filled

Start date: ASAP

Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville MS

The student’s research will focus on the effects of cover crops, grazing and tillage on the composition and diversity of the soil microbiome; characterization of the active microbiome and evaluation of its functional; analysis of the environmental factors influencing microbial niche differentiation and networks; and identification of promising plant-growth promoting inoculants.

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