Khan's Lab at the University of Houston, led by Assistant Professor Abdul Latif Khan, is seeking a highly motivated PhD student interested in Microbiome Engineering. The lab focuses on the fundamental and applied aspects of plant-microbiome interactions, which are crucial for human food security and environmental sustainability. Research areas include plant and microbial genetic engineering for improved stress tolerance and nutrient uptake, soil microbiome for nutrient cycling, and microbe-assisted bioremediation to decontaminate soil and water from heavy metals and petrochemical wastes.

The lab employs advanced biotechnology approaches, including multi-omics (metagenomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics), microbiome networking, and physio-molecular mechanisms to elucidate the complexity of plant-microbiome and stress interactions. Projects may involve developing biobanks of stress-competent microbes, enriching the rhizosphere with synthetic microbiomes, and integrating field and greenhouse-based studies.

Applicants should have a Master of Science degree in microbiology, with a special focus on microbial genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and data analysis. Experience in plant-microbe interactions, metagenomics, or related fields is highly desirable. The position offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research topics such as plastic degradation in soil, ecoenzyme production, and microbe-assisted phytoremediation.

For more information about the lab and research areas, visit the Khan Lab website. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Abdul Latif Khan at [email protected] and provide a CV and relevant documents highlighting their experience in microbiology and bioinformatics.