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