POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP, DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

The SyM3 Lab in the Biology Department at McMaster University is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to isolate, characterize, and select for plant-growth promoting microbes from soils across Ontario. The chosen candidate will work alongside graduate and undergraduate students in the lab, as well as be part of a larger collaborative network of academic and industry partners with a shared goal to develop beneficial inoculants that improve Canadian crop growth and resiliency (https://live.wp3.its.queensu.ca/tbpwww/).

For this project, the candidate will initially assist with microbial strain characterization (genomic and phenotypic). They will then design and implement an evolution experiment in which synthetic microbial populations will be constructed and passaged with the same or rotating host crop species (peas, wheat, canola, barley). They will use a combination of metagenomic and whole-genome sequencing approaches to identify generalist strains (and the underlying genomic variants) that benefit a wider range of host species.

The candidate will be required to meet specific project milestones within the timeframe allotted, but also be given the opportunity to design additional experiments and gain professional development skills that align with their future career goals.

Qualifications:

• PhD in a field relevant to microbial ecology and evolution, microbiology, or plant-microbe interactions.
• Experience with one or more of the following: aseptic technique, bacterial cultivation, plant cultivation, genomic analyses
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Works well as part of a team, as well as individually
• Leadership qualities: willingness to work with and train grad and undergraduate researchers

Application Procedure:

Please forward: 1) a cover letter that addresses fit to the position and how the position could help the candidate achieve their short and long term career goals; 2) a complete CV, and 3) contact information for three professional references. Please submit your application by the deadline: August 1, 2024.