Summary:  The Ané lab seeks a Research Intern for a project focused on evaluating the capacity of remodeled bacteria (diazotrophs) to fix atmospheric nitrogen and deliver it to corn plants in both field and greenhouse trials. This individual will gain an understanding of methods to utilize engineered beneficial associations between plants and microbes to improve agricultural productivity and reduce global dependence on nitrogen fertilizers.

Description:

The individual will gain experience and training in:

• Conducting independent research under the mentorship of Dr. Jean-Michel Ané and senior staff using established field and experimental lab protocols.
• The use of the stable ¹⁵N nitrogen isotope dilution method to assess the capacity of bacteria to fix atmospheric

nitrogen for the benefit of corn plants.

• Collection of field samples, analysis of data, and the organization of field equipment and lab supplies.
• Working on a collaborative research team to meet project objectives and deadlines.
• Review of literature and data to summarize results for presentations or reports.

All work will be conducted in person and on-site in the Departments of Bacteriology and Agronomy, UW Madison greenhouses labs, or on University of Wisconsin Agricultural Research Stations located between 20 and 120 minutes by vehicle from campus.

We believe that diversity is a strength, creativity, and innovation source. We value each individual’s contributions and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricable goals. Our lab aims to make science more inclusive of people of all identities. We strongly encourage people of color and all genders, sexual orientations, and cultural backgrounds to apply.

Qualifications: Applicants should be recent graduates with Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a related field. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and meet the requirements to become a UW Authorized Driver. Applicants should be comfortable working in adverse outdoor conditions, including heat and humidity. Vehicle use or transport is provided to off-campus field sites.

Application: Please email résumé, cover letter, and three professional references to Dr. Jean-Michel Ané (jeanmichel.ane@wisc.edu). Please write about past work, volunteer, or coursework experiences that relate to this position in your cover letter.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

Understanding how beneficial associations between plants and microbes develop is an important biological question that is particularly relevant in modern agriculture and economy. Our goal is to use microbes better to maintain the sustainability of our agriculture by protecting the environment over the long term and reducing costs for food, feed and biofuel production. Our laboratory is part of the Department of Bacteriology and the Department of Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. We seek to understand and manipulate the molecular mechanism controlling symbiotic associations between plants and microbes.

Connections working at University of Wisconsin-Madison