Postdoctoral Scholar- Amphibian Diseases and Microbial Ecology
Postdoctoral Scholar- Amphibian Diseases and Microbial Ecology
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1 Vacancy
Job Description
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Research in the Bletz Lab liesat the intersection of disease ecology microbial ecology and wildlife conservation. We ask both fundamental and applied ecological questions using field surveys laboratory and fieldbased experiments microbial culturing and functional bioassays and multiomics approaches. We use amphibianchytrid systems (Bd & Bsal) to understand how do host defenses host microbiomes and the environment interact to shape hostpathogen dynamics and disease outcomes and then use this information to answer how can we modulate these relationships to shift disease outcomes and promote survival
The postdoctoral scholar will contribute by: initiating research projects within our research sphere wrapping up existing manuscripts mentoring students and assisting with lab management activities. The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant and complement the labs broad interests in amphibian disease microbiomes and host immunity. This position has the potential to include 1 contributing to an NSFfunded research aimed at understanding disease dynamics in wildlife trade using amphibians as a model system 2 leading research to investigate microbial contributions to immune system development and disease protection in amphibians and 3 leading functional genomics work on hostassociated microbes. Research will likely include field and/or labbased experiments culture assays and molecular work multiomics techniques and establishing bioinformatic pipelines for data analysis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines be excited to help jumpstart our new lab and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel exciting questions. Individuals who have an interest in data analysis writing and coordinating/managing lab activities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Duties:
- work closely with the PI collaborators and lab personnel to lead research in the lab and/or the field.
- perform molecular techniques including: DNA extractions PCR qPCR for pathogen diagnostics 16S rRNA library prep and other methods of highthroughput sequencing.
- prepare process and analyze amplicon sequencing and metagenomic data.
- compile manage and analyze datasets with appropriate statistical methods including univariate and multivariate methods.
- lead preparation and publication of peerreviewed manuscripts.
- present research findings at conferences.
- contribute to lab management activities: coordinate lab equipment use curate lab databases coordinate lab ordering.
Eligibility: PhD in ecology biology microbiology or other related field. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.
Preferred Qualities: The information listed below is meant to capture the breadth of skills that would help applicants succeed in this position; however I do not expect individual applicants to possess all of these skills
- a background in or interest in microbial ecology amphibian disease conservation and omics approaches
- collaborative mindset and attitude
- strong organization and time management skills
- enjoyment in both independent and collaborative work
- interest in preparing scientific publications
- ability to design and execute experimental studies including pathogen exposure experiments
- experience with molecular techniques
- experience analyzing barcoded amplicon sequencing and/or metagenomic data
- experience with statistical modeling (general linear models network analysis etc.
- experience with culturing microorganisms (fungi and/or bacteria)
- experience with R and/or other programming languages
- familiarity with bioinformatics and modeling approaches for microbiome datasets
- ability to bridge fields including microbial ecology genomics/transcriptomics statistics immunology
- experience or interest in supervising students
Location: This position will be located at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park in State College Pennsylvania.
Application: I highly encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups in science or nontraditional backgrounds to apply for this position. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter a curriculum vitae and contact information for three professional references to REQat cover letter should be 12 pages describing:
- research interests and background
- why you are interested in this position
- career goals
- availability for starting this position
- experience and/or enthusiasm for learning about the dimensions outlined in the position description and preferred qualities
Informal inquiries are welcome contact Dr. Molly Bletz
Salary/Benefits The position salary will be commensurate with the applicants experience and includes benefits. Initial contracts will be 1 year contracts and renewed based on performance for a second year with the potential for continuation for additional years.
Application Deadline: accepting applications until the positions are filled. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Position Start Date: Fall 2024 Contact: Dr. Molly Bletz
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact.
Employment Type
Full-Time
