Postdoctoral Associate – Department of Biology - James Madison University 0404659 An NSF funded postdoctoral position is available in the lab of Dr. Reid Harris in the Department of Biology Sciences at James Madison University. This is a large, collaborative project involving multiple labs (Virginia Tech and Villanova Universities) that will elucidate the community structure and function relationships of symbiotic skin microbes on amphibian hosts along a gradient of chytrid fungus exposure in Panama. The incumbent will be responsible for completing the molecular and microbial aspects of the project, and for generating and carrying out additional collaborative studies that augment the goals of the grant. The incumbent will be expected to submit manuscripts based on the research to peer-reviewed journals and to present the results at national and international scientific meetings. The incumbent will also be responsible for mentoring current graduate and undergraduate students. This position will involve periods of work in Panama. Candidates with a strong lab background must be willing to spend time in the field working with amphibians. Work Locations will be JMU campus, Harrisonburg, VA and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. degree in microbial ecology, biology, ecology, microbiology or a related field, with demonstrated experience in molecular microbial ecology, demonstrated motivation and strong work habits, the ability to work independently as well as with a research group, and demonstrated ability to produce publications based on individual research. Preferred qualifications include extensive experience with PCR, next-gen sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, fluency in Spanish, and experience successfully mentoring undergraduate students in research. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, statement of interest, and names of three references upon applying online at http:joblink.jmu.edu and reference posting number 040469. Review of applications will begin July 1, 2012, with an anticipated start date in September, 2012. James Madison University is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action/equal access employer and especially encourages applications from minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities. Maximum starting salary is $40,000. This is an Administrative and Professional Faculty Rank of Postdoctoral Associate. Position is grant funded.
