Join the Lab!

MS Graduate Research Assistant Opportunity in Decomposition Ecology

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The Pechal Lab is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate for a Masters of Science (MS) program in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU). This funded graduate position will focus on the implementation of high-throughput omics, big data analytics (including machine learning), and molecular biology to evaluate and characterize decomposition dynamics. Dr. Pechal’s lab values and supports racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity.

Responsibilities

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The overall project goal is to better understand how microbial communities and their functions change using a survey of postmortem microbiomes. The primary goal is to analyze these postmortem microbiomes for their application during forensic investigation, including potential entomological sources. The successful candidate will be part of a project that involves a combination of molecular bench work, field work, high-throughput metagenomics, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis. He/She/They will acquire highly desirable skills including the generation and analysis of high-throughput sequencing datasets.

The entomology department at MSU is friendly and collegial, and the student will benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with other labs on campus that offer expertise in areas such as genomics, ecological networks, and forensics. The successful candidate will actively engage with collaborators at MSU, the University of Michigan, and Mississippi State University. Other opportunities exist for engagement in teaching, outreach, and travel to professional meetings.

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Fundamental Requirements Include:

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• A bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Ecology or relevant fields. 

• Strong work ethic, problem solving capabilities, self-motivation, and independence.

• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

• Excellent writing and speaking communication.

Although not required, the preferred candidate will have prior research experience, programming experience (e.g., R or Python), and/or demonstrated scientific writing skills.

To Apply

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Interested candidates should send an email with the following information to Dr. Pechal (pechalje@msu.edu) and "2021 Prospective MS Student" in the subject line:

1. A one-page cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and accomplishments;

2. CV;

3. Sample of scientific writing (e.g., undergraduate thesis, research paper developed during coursework, please reach out if you need ideas on what to send );

4. Unofficial transcripts; and

5. Names and email addresses for three references.

Informal inquiries are welcome. 

To be considered for this position, you must apply through the Graduate School (https://grad.msu.edu/apply - Application deadline for Fall 2021). Note that GRE scores are not required for admission into a MS program for the Department of Entomology.

Please submit all application material no later than 1 May 2021. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Virtual meetings will be scheduled with top candidates to discuss the opportunity in more detail.

Anticipated Start Date

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Position available beginning in Fall 2021.