The Hoagland Soil Microbial Ecology Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to participate in studies broadly aimed at supporting the development of more sustainable and resilient local food systems. While these systems provide many opportunities, farmers struggle to manage pests, obtain sufficient nutrients, and deal with toxic soil contaminants that can negatively affect plant and human health. To deal with these challenges, our lab looks for ways to support beneficial plant-soil-microbial relationships. Some of our studies focus on manipulating these relationships via soil management, while others are focused on crop genotype with the long-term goal of integrating selection for beneficial microbial relationships into crop breeding programs. Studies are underway in the U.S. in both urban and rural areas, and in the Colca River Valley of Peru in collaboration with colleagues at the University of San Augustin. More information about the lab and our work can be found here: https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/hoaglandlab/
The postdoctoral researcher will support on-going studies and design new ones based on their background and interests. The lab is equipped with tools for isolating and culturing microbial isolates and conducting biochemical and molecular assays. Access to state-of-the-art plant growth, hyperspectral imaging, genomic and metabolomic facilities as well as a high-performance computing network for bioinformatics are available. Hoagland will work with the candidate to create an Individual Development Plan, and provide opportunities for them to participate in workshops and conferences that will further develop their technical and professional skills.
Candidates should have recently completed their PhD, or expect to complete their degree by the start date in a program studying soil microbiology, agroecology, plant pathology, plant genetics or related field. Candidates must have a demonstrated ability of scientific achievement, which includes prior experience using biochemical, molecular and analytical tools to characterize soil and plant microbiomes and plant stress responses, and papers demonstrating these capabilities. They should also have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and an interest in working in international and interdisciplinary environments addressing problems related to agroecosytem sustainability. Spanish language skills and experience conducting on-farm participatory studies are desirable.
Applicants should supply (a) a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, (b) a statement of research interests and goals (maximum 2 pages) and (c) e-mail addresses of three references to: Lori Hoagland (lhoaglan@purdue.edu). Application review will begin immediately.
