The Department of Plant Pathology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, North Dakota State University, has available a postdoctoral research scientist position in the laboratory of Dr. Barney Geddes to work on rhizobia and plant–microbe symbiosis. The Geddes Lab studies the genetics, engineering, and ecology of nitrogen-fixing symbioses. The selected candidate will contribute to projects spanning the microbial ecology of host–symbiont interactions, the genetic engineering of bacterial symbionts, and the phenotyping of plant–microbe interactions using next-generation sequencing (including amplicon/community sequencing and RNA-seq). The researcher will be responsible for bacterial strain construction and engineering, symbiosis and nodulation assays, and the design and analysis of sequencing experiments, with the specific project focus matched to the candidate’s strengths and interests. The researcher will be expected to mentor students, interpret and analyze data, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals. This position is available for one year, with subsequent years contingent upon funding and performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED: Applicants must have an earned Ph.D. in microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, plant–microbe interactions, or a closely related discipline. Candidates should possess prior experience in microbial molecular biology and bacterial genetics, and with next-generation sequencing and analysis (e.g., amplicon/community sequencing, RNA-seq, or genome sequencing). Candidates are expected to work independently and as part of a team, and to initiate and accomplish research goals including publication of results in refereed scientific journals.
PREFERRED: Experience with rhizobia–legume symbiosis or other plant–microbe/root symbiosis systems (e.g., nodulation, mycorrhizae); a background in microbial ecology, symbiosis genetics, or natural genetic variation in host–symbiont interactions; bacterial strain engineering skills (cloning, strain construction, genome editing); familiarity with microbiome/community-sequencing data analysis and bioinformatics; and a strong publication record with excellent communication and writing skills.
TO APPLY: For full consideration, interested individuals should submit the following materials: 1) a letter of application discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed curriculum vitae with a list of publications; and 3) contact details for at least three references. If you have any questions about the position, please email Dr. Barney Geddes, [email protected]. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Salary: $50,000-$58,000 depending on experience
Screening will begin: 9/18/26
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