Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

We seek a motivated candidate to join our lab to study the bacterium Zymomonas mobilis as a chassis for biofuel production. This will include studying small molecule transport into and out of cells and mechanisms for Z. mobilis to utilize alternative carbon sources and electron donors.

Job responsibilities will include: 

The candidate will be responsible for:

1. Making gene knockouts and knock downs in Z. mobilis
2. Engineering Z. mobilis to use alternative electron donors and carbon sources
3. Studying small molecule transport in Z. mobilis
4. Presenting research plans and findings and GLBRC internal meetings
5. Presenting research findings in published research articles and at conferences

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, or related field.

Minimum Requirements

Minimum qualifications include:

• Strong written and oral communication skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team of researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Experience with genetic modification of non-model bacteria
• Experience with HPLC analysis to measure fermentation products

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include: 

• Experience with calculating electron balance of metabolic processes
• Skills in computational modeling of metabolic processes

Required Application Materials

Please attached a current CV, cover letter (2 pages maximum), and contact details for three professional references.

Special Instructions

This appointment is available for nine months only, with a starting date of June 1, 2025.

At GLBRC, we strive to provide holistic and well-rounded experience to our postdoctoral researchers, and we recognize the importance of supporting their professional development needs to ensure their successful transition to the career of their choosing. To complement the scientific training received in their lab, postdocs at GLBRC can:

• Attend and present at scientific research symposiums and/or conferences.
• Access cross-discipline research environments and training opportunities within GLBRC and cross-BRCs.
• Benefit from integrated career and professional development support (internal and external).
• Participate in Outreach and Community Engagement opportunities.

Website

https://www.glbrc.org/

Department Statement

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC, www.glbrc.org) is a cross-disciplinary and integrated research center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and led by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. With Michigan State University and other collaborators, GLBRC draws on the expertise of over 400 scientists to address today’s greatest challenges to produce transportation fuels and high-value chemicals while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Within the DOE-funded Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) program, GLBRC collaborates with three other BRCs, each led by a DOE National Laboratory or a top university. Interactions between the centers help forge strong partnerships within the bioenergy research community in the U.S. and abroad, as well as with industry and government partners.

GLBRC is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that welcomes and supports everyone. We believe that a diverse research community is a prerequisite to conducting the foundational innovation necessary to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.

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.