STDT 2 - Student Assistant
Undergraduate Research Opportunity – Bogar Lab, Department of Plant Biology
The Bogar Lab is seeking an undergraduate researcher to assist a graduate student on a research project focused on soil microbial ecology and post-wildfire forest restoration. This is a paid position which, after a trial period, comes with the expectation of a sustained commitment through at least June 2027. The position is well suited for students interested in soil science, mycology, microbial ecology, plant biology, ecology, and wildfire impacts on ecosystems.
Project Description:
This CAL FIRE–funded project investigates how wildfire alters soil microbial communities and how these changes influence drought tolerance and establishment of Pinus ponderosa seedlings in post-fire forests. The project combines greenhouse experimentation and field outplanting to evaluate whether inoculation with live forest soil can improve seedling performance under restoration-relevant conditions. Our work focuses on characterizing root-associated fungal communities using DNA metabarcoding and assessing how differences in soil microbial composition relate to seedling physiology, drought response, and survival following outplanting.
Soil and microbial inoculum are collected from forest sites representing different fire histories, and seedlings are grown under controlled conditions before being outplanted to evaluate establishment and early performance. Field components of the project take place at UC Berkeley’s Blodgett Forest Research Station and Southern California Edison’s Shaver Lake forest. In later phases, the project may also incorporate meta-omics approaches to investigate microbial functional potential and gene expression, providing a mechanistic complement to community-level patterns. Findings will inform post-fire reforestation strategies and scalable, microbiome-informed restoration practices in California forests.
Role Description:
The undergraduate researcher will work closely with the supervising graduate student on laboratory, field and greenhouse components of the project. Responsibilities may include:
- Preparation and handling of soil and root samples
- Assisting with DNA extraction and PCR amplification (training provided)
- Helping prepare metabarcoded amplicon libraries for sequencing
- Assisting with greenhouse seedling maintenance, experimental setup, and data collection
- Periodic field work that may consist of data collection, soil sampling, as well as seedling planting, monitoring and harvest.
- Participating in lab meetings and research discussions, if desired
Specific techniques may include:
- Root tissue grinding using liquid nitrogen
- Nucleic acid extractions
- PCR amplification of fungal ITS regions
- Amplicon library preparation for high-throughput sequencing
- Seedling inoculation of mutualistic microbes
- Applying exogenous acetic acid as a soil drench
- Use of LI-COR LI-600 chlorophyll fluorometer
- Analysis of soil physical and chemical properties
- Qubit fluorometric quantification
- Gel electrophoresis
Candidate Selection:
Ideal candidates will be curious, organized, and motivated, with an interest in relevant research topics. The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Interest in soil microbial ecology, mycology, plant biology, or wildfire restoration research
- Willingness to learn molecular and greenhouse research techniques
- Strong communication skills and reliability
- Ability to work independently within a collaborative research environment
- A desire to conduct occasional fieldwork in the Sierra Nevada (some travel may be necessary, based on student’s schedule and availability)
Previous laboratory or field experience is helpful but not required; training will be provided. Schedule compatibility with the supervising graduate student will be considered, with lab work typically occurring in blocks of two hours or more. Preference will be given to students who can commit long-term and potentially continue with the project into the 2026–2027 academic year.
The Bogar Lab is committed to maintaining a culture of inclusiveness where all members of our group are valued and supported toward their own visions of success. In your cover letter, please briefly highlight any relevant experiences you’d like us to tell us about, and let us know why you want to work on plant-fungal symbiosis in our group, with particular attention to how working with us will help you reach your short- or long-term goals (whatever they may be right now).