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Postdoctoral Research Associate Position to start January 2026

A two-year competitively funded postdoc position is available in Candice Lumibao’s Plant, Microbe and Global Change laboratory (https://candicelumibaolab.com/) at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), in collaboration with University of South Alabama (Jeremiah Henning; http://www.jeremiahahenning.com/) and St. Mary’s College of Maryland (Lorena Torres Martinez; https://ltorresmartinez.com/). We seek a dynamic and collaborative colleague with extensive experience with plant genomics, plant-microbe interactions, greenhouse work and/or bioinformatics, as well as some experience in microbial work and fieldwork in coastal marshes. Fieldwork will primarily be focused on collecting environmental data including Spartina plant tissues and rhizosphere soils as well as measuring other environmental variables such as pH, salinity, soil nutrients along the bays of south Texas. Genomics work will include characterizing genomic variations in host plant and levels of endosymbiont colonization along an ecological gradient.

The postdoc is expected to work closely with collaborators from University of South Alabama and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. There is also an opportunity to use the data collected to develop independent lab-based project(s) aligned with the postdoc’s research interests and expertise. TAMU-CC facilities include a genomics core lab and High Performance Computing (HPC) facility. The postdoc will also help generate, organize, analyze, and disseminate various types of datasets, mentor and train university students, and assist with community outreach projects. For more information about Lumibao lab or the Department of Life Sciences, visit https://candicelumibaolab.com/, https://www.tamucc.edu/science/departments/life-sciences/. The position is expected to transition to St. Mary’s College of Maryland in Year 3 of the project. Review will start by October 1, 2025. The expected start date is January 1, 2026 but can be negotiable.

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Open PhD and MS position for Spring or Fall 2026

The Lumibao Lab (https://candicelumibaolab.com) in the Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is looking for a prospective PhD and MS students to begin in either in the Spring or Fall 2026. The student’s research focus will have flexibility but will primarily focus on either of these three themes (depending on students interests): functional outcomes of plant-microbe interactions, microbial interactions and community dynamics and applications of emerging technologies on plant pathogens. Applicants should be highly self-motivated and have at least one year of research experience. Strong applicants will have some experience in molecular/microbial work, field experience, bioinformatics and in statistical computing (e.g., experience using R). Positions are funded through combinations of RAship and TAship.

More information on the department and program can be found here: https://www.tamucc.edu/science/departments/life-sciences/marine-biology/.

Qualifications: Applicants should be highly self-motivated and have at least one year of research experience. Strong applicants will have some experience in molecular/microbial work, fieldwork and in statistical computing (e.g. experience using R) or bioinformatics.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send via email a 1) brief statement of interest or cover letter describing experience, why your interest fits the Lumibao lab and general career goals, (2) CV (3) unofficial transcript, preferably by October 10, 2025, to Dr. Candice Lumibao: candice.lumibao@tamucc.edu

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GRADUATE STUDENTS

I am always on the lookout for a PhD and/or a MS student. Funded positions are usually announced. If interested, send me a note and we can chat informally and discuss possible opportunities.

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Any interest in plants and microbes are always welcome!

Here are some expectations to know before joining the lab:

  1. ) A minimum commitment of 5-6 hours of work per week for 6 months.
  2. ) Read literature and participate in weekly lab meetings and presentations. any outreach activities conducted by the  lab. We do field work as well so participation in some of the fieldwork is expected.
  3. ) Adhere to Lab SOPs and follow guidelines where necessary. Contribute to the maintenance of lab organization, cleanliness and overall morale.

Here are some characteristics I look for:

  1.  Self-motivated and self-sufficient and a strong drive to work hard and excel.
  2.  Must be able to work well with other members of the lab.
  3.  Must possess Integrity, honesty and most importantly kindness.

Funding opportunities for undergrads at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi

LSAMP (Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority participation). This program is for any full-time student at TAMU-CC interested in engaging in a faculty-sponsored research. Must be available to work >10 hours/week on a research project during the academic year

McNairs Scholar. Available for juniors and seniors.

Student research Competition. The goal of this program is to support student research conducted in any degree-granting program on campus under the direction of a faculty mentor. Awards can be up to $800.