In general, we are looking for highly motivated students and researchers who are passionate about science, value and would like to contribute to a healthy and inclusive lab environment. Our lab focuses on discovering unexpected microbial diversity and microbially-driven biogeochemistry and making this unexpected expected and predictable. Our lab focuses on microbes involved in the nitrogen cycle and the interaction between the nitrogen and other key element cycling processes such as carbon and other macro- or micro-nutrients.
Students and researchers interested in microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, or a combination of both in a changing environment are welcome to apply. You will have the opportunity to establish networks and collaborations with scientists inside and outside your primary area of focus!
Potential research directions include but are not limited to:
Exploring metabolic trade-offs and traits of microbes that are essential to understand the current and predict the future biogeochemical cycles
Identifying and determining missing kinetics of microbially driven biogeochemical processes in a changing ocean
Investigating rules behind microbial diversity that have important biogeochemical consequences
Potential research tools include but are not limited to metagenomics, biogeochemical experiments, synthetic ecology experiments, ecological theories, and mechanistic models. Our lab focuses on coastal and open-ocean ecosystems. Specific research projects proposed by the candidates are also welcome.
Prospective students should submit their application to the Biology Graduate Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Sun directly before applying to Penn. Please email Dr. Sun with your CV and briefly introduce yourself (your research experience, interest, and why you are interested in our lab).
We welcome ideas for developing proposals for graduate student fellowships!
If you are interested in joining our lab as a postdoctoral researcher, please email Dr. Sun (contact information at the bottom of the page) with the following materials:
CV with contact information for two to three references
A one-page cover letter outlining your research experience and your interest in our lab
A one- to two-page research proposal describing your proposed postdoctoral research in our lab
Highly encouraged: potential postdoctoral fellowship or other grants you are planning to apply for to join our lab
Please check the available programs at Penn that support undergraduate student research. If you are interested in one of the programs, you are welcome to email Dr. Sun with your CV and briefly introduce yourself (your experience, interest, and why you are interested in our lab).