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Position Title: Postdoctoral Scientist, Microscale Microbial Biogeography, Bay Paul Center. Position Summary: A postdoctoral position using advanced imaging and next-generation sequencing of leaf surface microbial communities to study microbial biogeography at small scales is available in Sheri Simmons’s lab at the Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole MA. Additional Information: In recent years several studies have examined whether microbial systems demonstrate the same ecological patterns documented in macro-organisms, with a particular emphasis on factors producing biogeographical patterns of microbial diversity and whether deterministic or neutral factors dominate community assembly. However, two central issues have not been addressed: (1) sampling typically occurs on length scales many orders of magnitude larger than a typical microbial cell and (2) usually only taxonomic (16s) diversity is assayed. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop leaf surface microbial communities into a model system for assaying (i) how microbial community assembly operates at “microbial” (micrometer to centimeter) scales and (ii) whether taxonomic, genetic, and functional measures of microbial diversity (as assayed with high-throughput next-gen sequencing) show common patterns over space and time. The suite of tools available for this project include : a MBL-owned greenhouse for controlled growth of model plants, expertise in next-gen (454/Illumina) sequencing and microbial community imaging, a Zeiss PALM CombiSystem for laser microdissection of individual leaves, and substantial bioinformatics capacity in the Bay Paul Center. Funding support is available for 2 years with the potential for extension. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Basic Qualifications: A Ph.D. in the biological sciences; applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: molecular microbial ecology techniques, ecological theory, plant biology, FISH/imaging, bioinformatics, and/or analysis of next-generation sequencing data. The candidate should be interested in interdisciplinary research and have excellent communication skills (oral and written). Required Applicant Documents: CV, cover letter, 3 references, Research Goals Special Instructions to Applicants: Please submit three items: (i) a cover letter describing your research goals and your specific motivation to join the lab, (ii) a CV, and (iii) contact information for three references, including your Ph.D. supervisor. ----------------------------------- Sheri Simmons Assistant Scientist | Bay Paul Center, Marine Biological Laboratory 7 MBL St Woods Hole, MA 02543 http://jbpc.mbl.edu/cv-simmons
