The Khan Lab at the University of Houston is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join their Plant Physiology Microbiome Lab, focusing on the investigation and engineering of plant-associated microbiomes. The lab, led by Assistant Professor Abdul Latif Khan, specializes in understanding how the microbiome works and can be manipulated to enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient uptake. Research in the lab covers a range of topics including microbiome engineering, microbial genetic engineering, plant-microbe interactions, soil microbiome for nutrient cycling, and microbe-assisted bioremediation for environmental cleanup.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in microbiology with a focus on microbial genetic engineering, and should possess strong learning abilities to implement microbiome analysis workflows. Prior experience in bioinformatics and data analysis is preferred. The lab employs advanced techniques such as metagenomics, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics to elucidate the complexity of plant-microbiome and stress interactions. Research projects may involve developing biobanks of stress-competent microbes, enriching the rhizosphere with synthetic microbiomes, and integrating field and greenhouse-based studies.

The Khan Lab's research is fundamental to addressing global food security by improving plant resilience and productivity through biotechnology and microbiome approaches. The lab also explores the use of naturally occurring microbes for plastic degradation, ecoenzyme production, and phytoremediation to decontaminate soil and water from heavy metals and petrochemical wastes. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in plant microbiome engineering, microbial analysis, and environmental applications of microbiology.

For more information, visit the lab's website or contact the lab directly. Interested candidates should send their CV and research statement to the provided email address.