Microbial Ecologist at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
Operating Title: Microbial Ecologist
Long Classification Title: Research Scientist II
Campus Location: Durham, NH, USA
Department: UNH COLSA Natural Resources & the Environment
Summary of Position:
The Ernakovich Lab at the University of New Hampshire Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science seeks a postdoctoral scientist to join our team for a two-year research position. Our lab seeks to find links between the soil microbiome and ecosystem function. We do this with a mix of tools, including sequencing, stable isotopes, and the application of ecological theory to microbial systems. We are particularly interested in microbial responses in systems with high disturbance; our current focal areas are permafrost thaw and agricultural systems. We are looking for a postdoc with research interests and experience in applying ‘omics tools to permafrost soil microbial communities to advance our analytical and/or computational abilities in metagenomics, database development and curation, and/or modeling of microbial communities.
The successful candidate will use and develop ‘omics pipelines to analyze and build a database of existing permafrost microbiome studies. They will also help establish a network of permafrost microbiome researchers, engage in mentorship and training of graduate and undergraduate students, and gain skills in collaborative science, project management, mentorship, data science, and ecological modeling. The candidate will develop a second, related project (in consultation with the project PI) to address current questions in permafrost microbial ecology; this project can be wet-lab, bioinformatics or modeling-focused.
You will have access to a variety of resources including a fully-equipped microbial ecology laboratory, the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies, the University Instrumentation Center (featuring equipment such as solid-state NMR, Orbitrap MS, and micro-computed tomography system), and high-performance computing at the Research Computing Center. In addition, the Research Office at UNH has excellent short courses and seminars on grant writing and other issues in research, which you are encouraged to attend.
The target start date is February 2024. Please reach out to Dr. Jessica Ernakovich (jessica.ernakovich@unh.edu) with any questions about the position.
Acceptable minimum level of education: Doctorate
Acceptable minimum years of experience: 1 year
Posting Number: PS4296FY24
Other minimum qualifications:
- A Ph.D. degree in ecology, natural resources, microbiology, or related field, along with two years relevant research experience (e.g., postdoctoral, industry), is required.
- Strong bioinformatics and data science qualifications including HPC computing expertise and coding in R or other statistical programming language
- Expertise in computational microbial ‘omics analyses and data science; analytical and/or computational abilities in metagenomics, database development and curation, and/or modeling of microbial communities
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
Interest in machine learning approaches in microbial ecology
Previous hands-on experience of laboratory analyses
Salary Information:
Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.
Closing date: 27 November 2023
Projected end date of position: 31 July 2025
Duties/Responsibilities:
Performing research connecting microbial traits to assembly processes in soil microbial communities, and linking traits to biogeochemical consequences of disturbance through predictive models.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in experimental design, writing development, statistical and bioinformatics skills, and professional development of scientific core skills.
Leading and supporting the seeking of external funding and writing proposals, including serving as a Co-PI when called for.
Maintaining and designing laboratory computational and bioinformatics standards and protocols, including data management plans, training materials, and standard procedures.
Documents Needed to Apply:
- Required Documents
- Resume/Vita
- Cover Letter
- Recent Publications (1)
Optional Documents:
- Research Statement
- Recent Publications (2)
- Recent Publications (3)
