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About the Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII, pronounced “Wally”): WALII studies how life interacts with water, from the molecular to the organismal level, across plants, fungi, and animals. WALII is a virtual institute, with scientists located at 11 research facilities across the United States. WALII team members have diverse expertise, ranging from biophysics to plant biology, and experience with several desiccation-tolerant and -sensitive systems. Working together, WALII researchers aim to uncover the rules by which organisms interact with water, exploring four integrated themes: The Institute’s long-term goals are to understand how organisms can tolerate desiccation; invent technologies and concepts to study anhydrobiosis; engineer macromolecules, cells, and organisms that can survive desiccation; and produce the next generation of leaders in all sectors of our society. To achieve these aims, WALII provides mentoring, outreach opportunities, and professional development for all affiliated scientists. That includes funding support for travel to scientific conferences, and internal professional development/training programs.
Open positions
Research Assistant position available at the Water and Life Interface Institute – Michigan State University campus (Rhee Lab): The Rhee Lab is seeking applications from talented college graduates for a 2-3 year research support position. This position is ideal for post-bachelor degree recipients who want to enter a career in research. The Rhee Lab’s aim is to uncover the molecular mechanisms of plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Our studies are diverse, ranging from computational modeling of metabolic networks to characterization of novel plant genes with no similarity to any known genes. We work with several organisms (including grasses, cover crops, and desert plants), but much of the lab’s work centers around the model Arabidopsis thaliana. The Rhee Lab recently embarked on characterizing novel proteins and understanding the process of seed dehydration and rehydration, in which the successful applicant would be a key member. Applications close June 12, 2024 for this posting, but the position will be open until filled. Interested parties can apply here.
Postdoctoral Researcher position available at the Water and Life Interface Institute – University of Wisconsin-Madison campus (Otegui Lab): A highly motivated individual is sought to analyze molecular and cellular changes associated with desiccation tolerance in plants and other organisms. These studies will integrate advanced light and electron tomography imaging with molecular genetics and biochemistry, in the laboratory of Dr. Marisa Otegui. Learn more.
Postdoctoral Researcher position available at the Water and Life Interface Institute – University of California, Berkeley campus (Exposito-Alonso Lab, also known as the Moi Lab): We seek to recruit a highly motivated and skillful researcher with training in molecular biology, plant genetics, or bioengineering. We aim to understand the impacts of climate change on plant species from a molecular evolution angle. The project will leverage ecological genomics modeling to identify genes involved in dehydration tolerance and water use efficiency in Arabidopsis, and will use CRISPR-based genetic engineering, developmental genetics, and microscopy techniques to understand the molecular mechanism of such adaptive genes. Learn more.
2024 Summer Internships for Undergraduates
Summer internships for undergraduate students are available in eight labs across seven of the Water and Life Interface Institution campuses in 2024. Each location has a separate application process and offers different experiences. Students interested in WALII projects are encouraged to apply to multiple campuses. No previous research experience is required. WALII is hosting a “How to apply for summer internships” webinar on January 8, 2024, at 11 am PT (12 pm MT; 1 pm CT; 2 pm ET) – register here.
Interns working on WALII projects will form virtual cohorts*. Interns will have opportunities to participate in a mentorship program, online career development activities (such as a Q&A career panel and a graduate school preparation workshop), and will be invited to present at the annual WALII Virtual Symposium. All internships are paid opportunities, but the stipend amounts and program benefits may vary by geographic region.
*Interns hosted by labs at Baylor College of Medicine, University of California (Merced), University of California (Berkeley), Michigan State University, California State University-Channel Islands, and University of Wisconsin-Madison will be part of an on-campus cohort of interns unaffiliated with WALII and will have additional opportunities for in-person social activities.
Now Accepting Summer Internship Applications:
WALII is deeply committed to scientific excellence and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a diverse and inclusive environment. All WALII member institutions are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Interns working on WALII projects will form virtual cohorts*. Interns will have opportunities to participate in a mentorship program, online career development activities (such as a Q&A career panel and a graduate school preparation workshop), and will be invited to present at the annual WALII Virtual Symposium. All internships are paid opportunities, but the stipend amounts and program benefits may vary by geographic region.
*Interns hosted by labs at Baylor College of Medicine, University of California (Merced), University of California (Berkeley), Michigan State University, California State University-Channel Islands, and University of Wisconsin-Madison will be part of an on-campus cohort of interns unaffiliated with WALII and will have additional opportunities for in-person social activities.
Now Accepting Summer Internship Applications:
- Baylor College of Medicine (Boeynaems Lab). WALII Project: Studying desiccation tolerance using resurrection ferns. Applications are closed.
- California State University Channel Islands (Tapia Lab). WALII Project: How does partial re-hydration affect desiccation tolerance? Applications are closed.
- Michigan State University (Rhee Lab and the VanBuren Lab). Applications are closed.
- WALII Project (Rhee Lab): Investigating molecular pathways essential for seeds to survive desiccation and rehydration.
- WALII Project (VanBuren Lab): Identify conserved and lineage-specific molecular responses to anhydrobiosis.
- University of California, Berkeley (Exposito-Alonso Lab, also known as the Moi Lab). WALII Project: Identify genetic determinants underlying desiccation tolerance by mining natural variation in seed germination across A. thaliana populations. Not accepting applications this year.
- University of California, Merced (Sukenik Lab). WALII Project: How do proteins help protect cells from desiccation? Applications are closed.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Otegui Lab). WALII Project: How do cellular structures change during dehydration? Applications are closed.
- University of Wyoming (Boothby Lab). WALII Project: Surviving The Solid State. What material properties correlate with protection and survival of dry biological material and organisms? Applications are closed.
WALII is deeply committed to scientific excellence and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a diverse and inclusive environment. All WALII member institutions are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
