Ecology and evolution of Methylobacterium
Objective: Understand the ecological and evolutionary drivers of Methylobacterium diversity and the importance of Methylobacterium for their plant hosts
Methylobacterium is a diverse genus of plant-associated bacteria that perform important ecological functions for their host plants and ecosystems.
We are using genomic and metagenomic approaches to understand the diversity of plant-associated Methylobacterium. We have developed a collection of Methylobacterium strains and a rich dataset on the ecological and genomic diversity of this genus living on plants in forest ecosystems. We seek a graduate student (PhD or MSc) to pursue one or more of the following objectives. The ideal candidate would have background and interests in quantitative microbial ecology and evolution, genomics and metagenomics, or bioinformatics.
- Ecological dynamics of Methylobacterium communities
- Metagenomics and pangenomics of Methylobacterium diversity
- Experimental tests of the impacts of Methylobacterium strains on host plants
Prospective candidates should contact me (kembel.steven_w@uqam.ca) with the following information:
- Letter of interest (1 page)
- CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for three references
Review of applications will begin on January 3, 2022 and continue until the position has been filled. The Kembel lab at UQAM is an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment. This project offers the opportunity for collaboration within the lab as well as with researchers from McGill University and the University of Idaho. UQAM is a francophone university, but knowledge of French is not mandatory for graduate students.