Postdoctoral Scientist

One or more postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Alexandra Z. Worden at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA. Research interests range from examining roles of the tiniest biological entities in the ocean – viruses - to phytoplankton and predators as well as carbon budgets. The research area we are currently hiring for is on innovations for investigating unicellular eukaryotes, microbial interactions between eukaryotic cells and bacteria, archaea and viruses, and, more broadly, marine carbon cycling. A variety of approaches ranging from traditional oceanography to lab-based culture physiology work and genetics, genomics and targeted metagenomics are being used to investigate these microbes, their ecological roles and interactions.We are looking for outstanding individuals interested in working at the interface between the evolutionary and biological sciences – with studies extending from the lab to field. Experience in studying protistan/microbial phylogenetics, physiology, interactions, microbial diversity and/or ecology is essential. The postdoc(s) should be comfortable with designing and performing rigorous experiments and have skills for e.g., analyzing transcriptomes and proteomes. The individuals should expect to develop and test hypotheses from experimental and sequence data on specific controls/pathways. Several projects focus on deep sea microbial communities and activities – including experiments involving in situ experimentation at the seafloor. Postdoc applicants should have a Ph.D. in a biological or computational field and preferably bioinformatic skills.Desired start dates are summer 2024 (one postdoc), or late 2023/early 2024 (other postdoc).Basic Qualifications:Applicants for postdoc should possess a Ph.D. in microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have a record of scientific rigor, productivity, and creativity; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; and a strong publication record. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. We welcome and support diversity, an essential quality for all group members.Preferred Qualifications:Individuals with experience in bioinformatic analysis of metatranscriptomics, gene expression (RNA-Seq) and/or comparative genomics or metagenomics are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of extraction processes, PCR, amplicon generation and other molecular biology approaches are desired.Special Instructions:A cover letter with a brief description of your research experience and how your expertise will contribute to Worden Lab – Ocean EcoSystems Biology research.A CV which includes a list of publications.Contact information for three references (Please do not send letters at this time; we will contact references directly).Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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