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Faculty and Student Teams Program

questioning Project Descriptions

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Center for Environmental Biotechnology

Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to study microbial diversity by polyphasic characterization of microbial communities. 

Project Description

Characterization of microbial communities in the environment requires the employment of a number of molecular-level techniques. Traditional cultivation-based studies exclude the overwhelming majority of microorganisms. Therefore, a polyphasic approach is needed, which uses alternative, often high-throughput, techniques to investigate the genotype and phenotype. Over the years, the Center has built relevant capabilities with hardware and expertise in molecular and environmental microbiology. Currently, we are expanding in a number of areas including but not limited to fungal detection and identification, anaerobic microorganisms, metagenomics, and proteomics. By participating in the FaST program and choosing our collaborating partners, we are establishing mutually beneficial long-term programs.

Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project

Applicants and their students will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty and Student Team (FaST) program to work collaboratively with a research group at Berkeley Lab for 10 weeks during the summer of 2006.  Faculty and students team members will be assigned to the same research group and typically faculty participants will provide mentorship and/or advising support to the undergraduate student team members while at the Lab.  Applicants are encouraged to contact Berkeley Lab investigators offering FaST opportunities during the application process.  Following the summer appointment, it is anticipated that the faculty participants will establish a ongoing collaborative relationship with Berkeley Lab investigators and assist in recruiting undergraduate students from their campus for DOE internship programs.

Qualifications of Ideal Candidate

Faculty: Ph.D. in microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, or related field. Proven experimental abilities. Established record of publication in field. Works well in a collaborative environment with students and other researchers. Currently teaches and collaborates with students in his/her field. Willing to work at LBNL for an extended period (2-3 summer months, or longer).
Student: Working towards an BS in biological sciences with strong interests in experimental research. Works well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and researchers. Willing to work at LBNL for an extended period.

Support and Financial Commitments

See Financial Information.

For More Information Contact:

Laurel Egenberger
Manager
College & University Programs
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
E-mail: LLEgenberger@lbl.gov
Phone: 510-486-5190
Tamas Torok
Staff Scientist
Center for Environmental Biotechnology
E-mail: ttorok@lbl.gov
Phone: 510-486-5808

http://csee.lbl.gov/