*Postdoctoral fellow in microbial ecology and metagenomics Virginia Commonwealth University *
A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia. PIs Rima Franklin (microbial ecology), Scott Neubauer (wetland biogeochemistry), and Bonnie Brown (ecological genetics) are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to work on a NSF-funded project aimed at understanding the effect of microbial community structure on ecosystem function and response to environmental change. The project will include complementary observational and manipulative experiments to examine wetland responses to saltwater intrusion, from microbial/molecular scales up to the ecosystem level. The postdoc will be expected to collect and analyze field and laboratory data, prepare manuscripts for publication, share research findings at scientific conferences, and participate in outreach education. Specific tasks will include microbial community analysis using DNA- and RNA-based sequencing, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses, and qPCR. Depending on the postdocâs interests, there will be opportunities to learn biogeochemical methods relevant to the project (e.g., ecosystem greenhouse gas fluxes, biogeochemical process rate measurements). All applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Expertise in some or all of the following areas is desired: microbial ecology, (meta)genomics, bioinformatics, multivariate statistics, biogeochemistry, and wetland ecology. Competitive candidates will also possess the following attributes: - A strong publication record - Outstanding quantitative analytical skills - Excellent written and oral communication skills - Experience and skills with both field and lab work - Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things - Experience with the analysis of high throughput sequencing data - Proficiency with bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analyses The position is for 12 months initially, and renewable for an additional 12 months depending on performance. The successful candidate will receive training in professional and personal development, research collaboration, presentation and publication of results, outreach, and mentoring. There will be opportunities for development of additional research projects and proposal development related to the broader project goals. The position includes a competitive salary and full benefits including health insurance. Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but the incumbent must be well established in the position before start of the summer 2015 field season. Applications should include: (i) brief cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) a brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals (under two pages), (iv) reprints of up to three relevant publications, and (v) the names and contact information for three references. All materials should be submitted as a single combined PDF to Dr. Rima Franklin ([email protected]) with âPostdoc Applicationâ in the subject line. Any questions should also be directed to Dr. Franklin. Further information: Franklin lab: www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin Neubauer lab: sites.google.com/a/vcu.edu/neubauer/ Brown lab: bonnie-brown-vcuegl.squarespace.com VCU Department of Biology: http://biology.vcu.edu/
