Project Manager - Research Engineer in Plant and Soil Microbiome Rescue - 5 years

The laboratory of Microbial Ecology (Laboratoire Ecologie Microbienne, LEM, https://www.ecologiemicrobiennelyon.fr/ ) at the University of Lyon in Lyon, France, accelerates leading research in environmental microbial ecology and evolution. One Ph.D.-level position for a Project Manager/Research Engineer is available with a new European Research Council Consolidator Award: "MicroRescue: Resolving mechanisms of microbiome rescue to promote resilience to climate change". The position is under the supervision of Dr. Ashley Shade (https://ashley17061.wixsite.com/shadelab).

The project will investigate soil and plant-associated microbiome responses to drought and heat, focusing on understanding how reactivation from the dormant pool contributes to maintaining plant- and soil microbiome functions during stress. We seek a motivated researcher to support project management and perform laboratory research to understand the mechanisms of microbiome resilience and rescue. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in either ecology/evolution, microbial sciences, plant and soil sciences, or a related field.

The successful candidate will have laboratory or field research experience in microbiology or ecology of soil or plant ecosystems. They will have demonstrated technical skills in molecular biology, including nucleic acid extractions from environmental samples, PCR, or sequencing. They will have excellent organizational skills related to laboratory research and coordinating projects or collaborations. In addition, they will be able to work independently and flexibly, work closely with the PI to ensure timelines and deliverables, proactively problem-solve, and work harmoniously as part of a team that will include students. The successful applicant will be proficient in English.

Additional skills or experiences that will be considered favorably include: working in a French research environment; optimizing or developing molecular biology or microbiology protocols; mesocosm experimental designs; working within a Long-Term Ecological Research Network or similar; microbiology skills in cultivation or molecular biology of Firmicutes or Actinomycetota; and an awareness of standards in open science for microbiome research including reproducibility and public data deposition.

The successful candidate will enjoy a vibrant and supportive research group, access to excellent research facilities and platforms at the University of Claude Bernard Lyon 1 "La Doua" campus, and a project team that is committed to high scientific integrity, to open and reproducible science, and to promoting a welcoming and inclusive team environment. The hosting laboratory, Laboratoire Ecologie Microbienne, boasts over 70 permanent microbial ecologists collaborating among eight teams with five technical platforms supporting precise analyses of microbial activities, natural products, and genomes. Lyon, France, is a historic city nestled between two rivers. Lyon embraces green policies and offers culinary excellence and access to unique cultural experiences. Because Lyon is home to universities, multinational companies, and Interpol, the city welcomes a large international community.

The position is for five years and is renewed annually, contingent on satisfactory performance evaluations. We expect a start date in September 2023. Applicants should submit, in English, 1) a current curriculum vitae; 2) a cover letter describing their interests and how their skills and experiences align with the position's needs; 3) contact information for three professional references. Applications will only be accepted via the CNRS Job Portal (https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5557-BEABIG-015/Default.aspx).