Working/Functional Title

Keegstra Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Summary

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in our labs at Michigan State University, as part of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC, www.glbrc.org) under the prestigious Keegstra Program (www.glbrc.org/document/2024-keegstra-program-announcement). We seek a motivated candidate to join the Brandizzi lab (Plant Research), in collaboration with the TerAvest lab (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) at MSU to engineer plant enzymes responsible for the synthesis of cell wall glucans with the goal to increase the levels of C6 sugars in situ. This project tackles a new challenging area for biopolymer engineering by harnessing cutting-edge predictive approaches for protein engineering. The project will lead to the discovery of fundamental principles for targeted plant protein engineering and biopolymer production to increase capture and storage of atmospheric CO2 and decarbonize fuel and chemical industries through improved access to sustainable carbon sources. The research objectives are to establish the key features underpinning the enzymatic activity of plant glucan synthases and produce glucans with features that reduce their digestibility in muro. The research will require extensive protein prediction modeling, bioinformatics analyses, and bioengineering using in vitro and high-throughput assays. It is anticipated that the research will make significant contributions to the GLBRC goals to harness bioenergy crops as advanced factories to generate clean, renewable, and sustainable biofuels, bioproducts, and biomaterials.   

The candidate will be responsible for

1. Designing the research
2. Conducting the wet lab experiments and in silico predictions
3. Presenting the work at lab meetings and scientific conferences
4. Preparing reports and written manuscripts
5. Preparing a plan for the research in a form of a proposal as required for this position

For GLBRC Keegstra Fellows

Pursuant to the GLBRC Keegstra Postdoctoral Researcher Grantor requirements, only individuals who have completed their Ph.D. in the last 3 years are eligible for this appointment. The initial Fellowship award is for two years contingent on meeting program requirements, with a third year of support available contingent on demonstration of adequate progress and availability of funds. The salary for this position will be 15% above the NIH recommended postdoc stipend with increases that align with institutional policies in the second and third year.

At GLBRC, we strive to provide a 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-disciplined 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.

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 -Molecular Biology, Enzymology, Computational Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields

Minimum Requirements

PhD in Molecular Biology, Enzymology, Computational Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields. Pursuant to the GLBRC Keegstra Postdoctoral Researcher Grantor requirements, only individuals who have completed their Ph.D. in the last 3 years are eligible for this appointment.

Qualified candidates must have:

• Strong written and oral communication skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team of researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Ability to work with enzymes and related techniques
• Ability to work or intention to learn to use protein prediction software 
• Ability to work with yeast

Desired Qualifications

It is desirable that Candidates posses these qualifications:

• Bioengineering of enzymes
• Experience with Alphafold
• Knowledge of yeast and plant molecular biology

Required Application Materials

Please attach a current CV, cover letter/letter of interest (two pages maximum), and contact details for three professional references.

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 US 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.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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