Career Center

Job Description Summary

Up to two Postdoctoral positions are open in Environmental Biotechnology and Cryomicrobiology in the Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University in the Labs of Drs. Stephen Techtmann and Trista Vick-Majors.

We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to lead efforts in the identification and characterization of ice-modulating proteins.

Michigan Tech attracts world-class faculty and staff who enrich the educational experience of smart, motivated, and adventurous students. Applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all are strongly encouraged to apply (https://www.mtu.edu/diversity-inclusion/).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Conduct research aimed at the identification, characterization, and engineering of ice-modulating compounds. This is part of a larger project examining bacteria from ice-covered systems to identify biologically produced compounds that aid in controlling ice formation. These candidates would work as part of a transdisciplinary team of microbial ecologists, biochemists, and materials scientists to identify and engineer ice-controlling proteins.

Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology, chemical engineering, or a closely related field is required.  Ph.D. must have been earned within the last six years.

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

Desirable Education and/or Experience

Expertise in at least two of the following are desired: bioinformatics, protein engineering, microbial physiology, and characterization of psychrophilic microbes. Previous field experience is a plus but not required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

The ability to work independently as well as with a diverse research group and the ability to meet deadlines and produce publications is necessary.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The work environment is outdoor and indoor field and university laboratory locations, and university offices.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required pieces of training; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. Visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. This is not an E-Verified Position.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

Title of Position Supervisor

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

Applicants must apply through the Michigan Technological University Human Resource portal. Applicants should submit a letter stating their interest and suitability for a position as well as a brief (1-page) research statement, a CV, and contact information for three references.

Additional Information

The Postdoctoral positions are available for 18 months with the possibility for renewal dependent upon satisfactory performance and funding. The full-time positions would start in September 2023, depending on the availability of funding.

Additional information about the Techtmann lab labs can be found here
(https://bio.sites.mtu.edu/techtmann/) and details about the Vick-Majors lab can be found here (http://www.whereverthereswater.org).

Michigan Technological University, one of the four major research universities in the State of Michigan, is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula adjacent to Lake Superior. The community offers a small-town environment with outstanding four-season recreational opportunities. Michigan Tech is located in Houghton, MI on the south shore of Lake Superior.

Michigan Tech is proud to be an ADVANCE Institution that has thrice received National Science Foundation support to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.