We seek a postdoctoral researcher to support a 2 year project funded by NOAA’s Ocean Exploration and Research Program. The project includes the first exploration mission to two shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico, and discovery focused studies of their microbiomes. Individuals with experience with microbiology, biogeochemistry, and expertise in molecular ecology are encouraged to apply.Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Engage in a project studying seafloor microbiomes and metagenomes to characterize communities in water, sediment and biofilms.
- Develop expertise in ecological theories regarding microbial biogeography and contribute new knowledge and ideas to this area of research.
- Develop and apply bioinformatics tools and approaches to identify communities, relevant taxa and associations. Learn and apply machine learning tools to datasets generated during the course of the study in collaboration with project scientists from other institutions.
- Participate in planning and executing field work on board USM’s Research Vessel Point Sur, and other oceanographic research vessels.
- Contribute significantly to written and oral communication, including the development of peer-reviewed manuscripts, blog posts, outreach through social media, and the public outreach products designed to engage broad audiences in the study of the deep-sea.
- Participate in student mentoring, and perform other duties as assigned by the study PI.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in coastal or marine sciences, microbiology, geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry or similar field. Applicants must also have a publication record that illustrates ability to conduct and communicate independent research as well as experience and proficiency in bioinformatics and statistical analysis.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
· Proficiency with molecular biological laboratory techniques, general laboratory practice, experimental design, laboratory safety procedures. A high level of computer literacy.
· Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports, correspondence and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Ability to speak effectively before groups. Ability and interest in contributing to outreach activities.
· Interested candidates should be self-motivated, results driven, able to take a project vision and shape it with scientific experience, and work with a team to support discovery and learning.
Preferred Qualifications
Significant proficiency in bioinformatics and, programming experience.
To apply for the position of Post Doctoral Research Associate please click here. All applications must be submitted through the USM career site. Please contact Leila Hamdan with specific questions.
HamdanLab 