Position Summary

The Ducat lab at Michigan State University has a postdoc position available for conducting primary research related to a National Science Foundation funded project (NSF # 2334681) on engineering mixed microbial communities composed of species of cyanobacteria and heterotrophic fungi. Broadly, the goal of this project is to establish a “synthetic lichen” consisting of a sugar-secreting cyanobacterial species and a filamentous fungal partner. Project goals include – but are not limited to – the following core areas of research: 1) establishing stable microbial communities where the cyanobacterial species supports a filamentous fungal species the secretion of fixed carbon and/or nitrogen metabolites; 2) engineering cross-kingdom exchange of signaling molecules whereby the cyanobacterial species influences the 3-dimensional morphology of the fungal partner; and 3) engineering cross-kingdom exchange of a signaling molecule whereby the fungal partner influences the expression of genes in the cyanobacterium. Additional relevant research areas include fundamental and rational engineering approaches targeting cyanobacterial central carbon metabolism and cyanobacterial signaling processes related to carbon fixation and sugar metabolism.

Ideal candidates are creative, independent, collaborative, and emphasize being a part of a positive working environment for the full team, which includes other researchers at multiple career stages.

The project will be performed in the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory. Offers are expected to be made for an initial one-year appointment, with a target start date in late Fall 2024 or early 2025. Extension of the research appointment is anticipated and will be negotiated pending performance review and available funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics

Minimum Requirements

Demonstrated experience in core molecular biology and biochemical approaches for physiological studies on microbes. Publications in peer-reviewed journals in accordance with the research stage and background of the applicant.

Desired Qualifications

Past experience with cultivating and engineering model cyanobacteria and/or algae. Demonstrated research productivity involving relevant techniques, such as: molecular cloning/genetic circuit design, transformation, isolation of genetic mutants/transformants, DNA/protein electrophoresis, microscopy, metabolite analysis such as GC-MS and/or LC-MS/MS, systems-level analyses, protein engineering, metabolic modeling, and/or fluorescence-based analytics of photosynthetic processes.

Required Application Materials

Interested applicants should send a Curriculum Vitae with a 1-2 page description of scientific interests and the names of at least 2 referees.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin August 26^th. We expect initial invitations for interviews will be sent following review (on or around September 2^nd). Posting will remain open until the position is filled, although applications submitted by August 26^th are guaranteed full review. For additional questions please contact Danny Ducat (ducatdan@msu.edu).

Review of Applications Begins On

08/26/2024

Website

https://prl.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.