Postdoctoral Research Associate: Elucidating the Rules of Cooperation and Resiliency in Microbial Communities

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $77,942

Location: Stanford, CA

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available immediately, based in Dr. Devaki Bhaya’s lab at the Division of Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, located at Stanford, CA. This is part of an NSF-funded project and is a collaboration with the Treangen, Segarra and Nakleh labs, located at Rice University. 

Summary of research goals: Microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems are central to maintaining the resiliency of these important environments. The aims of this project are to develop robust computational tools to decipher the rules that govern cooperation and resiliency. Already available omics datasets from hot spring microbial mats biofilms, in Yellowstone Park, will be used to test these computational pipelines, as well as extend and develop relevant experimental systems. These extreme environments are ideal for examining how critical environmental parameters such as temperature, light, nutrients, and phage attack influence the diversity, abundance, and evolution of microbial populations. The long-term goal is to build a bridge between new computational tools and experimental systems.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will have some flexibility in choosing the exact direction of your research project (e.g a combination of computational and experiments to examine phage host interactions). There will be opportunities to develop computational tools or experimental systems in the context of microbial communities. The position is ideal for someone who is ambitious, collaborative and wishes to develop interdisciplinary expertise.  This multidisciplinary project presents several opportunities for career development,  combining education and outreach activities. 

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology or a related field.
• Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry and/or bioinformatics. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Previous experience with phage/ viruses and microbiology is a plus.

Informal inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Devaki Bhaya at dbhaya@carnegiescience.edu. Formal applications for employment must be submitted by clicking on the bar below, and must include a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. 

Postdoctoral Research Associate Bioinformatics

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $79,942

Location: Stanford, CA

The Burlacot Lab in the Biosphere Sciences and Engineering Division at the Carnegie Institution for Science is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. We are a dynamic and close-knit team that leads research on photosynthetic CO2 fixation to build a more sustainable future. The laboratory uses genetic and biophysical tools to understand the energy balance of photosynthetic algae at the cellular level and how we might be able to optimize it for improving the sustainability of our societies.

Under the supervision of Adrien Burlacot, and in collaboration with all laboratory members, you will study the effects of light fluctuations on the energetic balance of microalgae; our lab has developed a quantitative screen to identify the role of 18% of the genes encoded in the genome of the model green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. You will work with other lab members to identify the key sets of mechanisms involved in acclimation to rapid energy changes and take this work to publication. You will supervise trainees and students in the lab. As all other lab members, you will contribute to general housekeeping tasks that ensure the smooth functioning of the lab. 

The position is based in Dr. Adrien Burlacot’s lab and will involve collaboration with all lab members and researchers at the Biosphere, Science, and Engineering Division, offering excellent opportunities for joint mentoring and career development. Members of the Burlacot lab are all supported in their career development, and you will be mentored regularly in this aspect. The position is fully funded and comes with competitive benefits, including healthcare support.

Position Duties

• Work with other lab members to analyze key regulators of the response to light fluctuations.
• Lead the bioinformatic analysis of time series and genome data to establish key mechanisms involved in acclimation to light fluctuations.
• Lead interactions with the Donnat lab (University of Chicago) to use our data set and biological knowledge for the development of a systems-level understanding of the mechanisms involved in the response to light fluctuations.
• Lead and contribute to research papers to be published in the peer-reviewed literature.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Biology, or related field.
• Full proficiency in Python.
• Experience exploring questions about cellular/subcellular processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Previous experience with systems biology is preferred
• Experience in using molecular biology tools and in performing RNA extraction is a plus.
• Previous experience with microalgae or plants is a plus but not necessary.

Informal inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Adrien Burlacot at aburlacot@carnegiescience.edu. Formal applications for employment must be submitted on the application website, and must include a cover letter, CV, and list and contact of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Carnegie is an equal-opportunity employer.  In accordance with applicable laws, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.

Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $24-$25 hour depending on experience

Location: Stanford, CA

A full-time Research Assistant position is available to work in the Carnegie Mass Spectrometry Facility, directed by Dr. Shouling Xu,  in the Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science (located in Stanford, CA). The candidate will collaborate with multiple labs at the Carnegie Institution, Stanford University, and some labs around the country on various MS-related projects. The candidate will also have his/her own methods development project. The facility is currently equipped with Orbitrap Q-Exactive HF and Orbitrap Eclipse with ETD. The facility is equipped with three HPLC/FPLC instruments for offline fractionation.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in molecular biology/ biochemistry/analytical chemistry/bioengineering 
• Experience working in a laboratory environment including bench work
• Computer skills (Python and R). 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High levels of organization, reliability, trustworthiness, intelligence, and self-motivation.
• Highly empathetic, collegial and service-oriented with strong proactive skills and ability to collaborate effectively.

Application Materials Required:

• C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for 3 references

Informal inquiries about the position can be made by emailing slxu@stanford.edu or sxu@carnegiescience.edu. To apply for this job, please click on the “Apply Now” box below.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

 

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $77,942

Location: Stanford, CA

We have a postdoctoral position for at least one year on a project focused on transforming symbiotic dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae and understanding their interactions with their cnidarian hosts, including corals and sea anemones (most work will be done using the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida). Achieving transformation of these organisms will allow us to approach many questions concerning the interactions of the symbiont with its host, the importance of specific algal genes in the symbiotic process, the role of photosynthesis in the uptake and maintenance of the symbiont and the molecular mechanisms associated with coral bleaching, an area of major concern in many parts of the world. It will also facilitate our understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with the unusual structure of both the nuclear and chloroplast genomes, aspects of photosynthetic function and the nature of the processes involved in controlling the exchange of carbon and nitrogen between the alga and its host. The project will encourage interactions with other researchers working on the cnidarians/corals, including the laboratories of John Pringle and Steve Palumbi at Stanford University. Preference will be given to candidates who have worked with alga and who have strong training in molecular technology.  If interested, please apply below. For inquiries please contact Arthur Grossman, and also send all information including a CV, directly to Arthur Grossman (arthurg@stanford.edu).

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $77,942

Location: Stanford, CA

A Postdoctoral Fellow position sponsored by Dr. Shouling Xu is available at the Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, and the Carnegie Mass Spectrometry Facility,  located in Stanford, CA. This is a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research addressing key questions in plant biology and basic science, particularly in the areas of plant nutrient sensing, transcription and alternative splicing and plant cell altas. The project will utilize a range of innovative techniques, including proteomics, metabolomics, AlphaFold modeling, biochemistry, and molecular biology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: proteomics, biochemistry, metabolomics, or molecular biology
• Strong computational skills
• Independent and Highly motivated 

Application Materials Required:

• Cover Letter
• C.V.
• Contact information for 3 references

Position Start Date: January, 2025. 

Informal inquiries about the position can be made by emailing slxu@stanford.edu or sxu@carnegiescience.edu.  Xu lab webpage: www.shoulingxu-ms.org

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

 

Data Scientist/Research Software Engineer/Postdoctoral Fellow

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $72,000 – $80,000

Location: Stanford, CA

Position Summary: Work with biologist to identify sequences that target proteins to chloroplasts and mitochondria, with particular interest in developing informatic methods to determine those proteins that are targeted, simultaneously, to both chloroplasts and mitochondria.

Essential Functions: The qualified candidate must be able to perform the essential functions including the use of informatic approaches to examine the characteristics of protein presequences and establish relationships among the presequences and the final subcellular location(s) that they specify for the protein they are fused to.

Perform a subset of the below duties, as assigned by supervisor:

• Assist others in the lab in handling large datasets
• Conduct literature reviews
• Collect and analyze data, summarize project results (mostly at lab meetings)
• Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations
• Ensure data is properly organized to provide convenient access for researchers
• Manage and respond to project related emails
• May supervise undergraduate students working on the research 
• Maintain complete records of activities
• Attend project meetings
• Help with preparation of progress reports for the PI, funding agency, or others as appropriate
• Prepare figures and text for submission of manuscripts

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate with a BS or BA degree in computer science or related field
• Experience with various specialized software or datasets, as required by the supervisor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Academic and/or work experience related to the field of research, as defined by the supervisor/lead researcher
• Background in biology

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must be a self-starter with the ability to think critically and solve problems
• Ability to work in teams as well as independently
• Strong organizational and computer skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Enthusiasm for developing new resources for computational analyses
• Awareness of the critical aspects of laboratory safety (for lab-based roles)

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

• Occasionally lifts and /or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally stoops and bends
• Occasionally reaches and grasps with arms and hands above head
• Work may be performed in a laboratory/office environment where there are relatively few physical discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise, or similar

Informal inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Dr. Neda Fakhimi at nfakhimi@carnegiescience.edu. Formal applications for employment must be submitted by clicking on the bar below, and must include a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $77,942

Location: Stanford, CA

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to analyze alternative splicing machinery and nutrient sensing  sponsored by Dr. Shouling Xu at Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, located in Stanford, CA. The chosen candidate will employ diverse proteomics techniques, biochemistry and molecular biology  to dissect the mechanism of alternative splicing and transcription,  nutrient regulation and aim to address fundamental questions in basic science. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with proteomics or biochemistry.
• Ph.D in Molecular Biology or related science field required

Application Materials Required:

• Cover Letter
• C.V.
• Contact information for 3 references

Please note: This position is available starting Nov, 2023. 

Informal inquiries about the position can be made by emailing slxu@stanford.edu or sxu@carnegiescience.edu.  

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $77,942

Location: Stanford, CA

We have a 3-year postdoctoral position for work focused on understanding interactions in synthetic communities of bacteria present in hot spring mats of Yellowstone National Park. These ‘laboratory communities’ will reveal the overall metabolic landscape of the mats using the entire community and synthetic combinations of component organisms. Applications of sequencing and metabolomics will reveal key metabolic pathways used by the different members of the community under different light and nutrient conditions and over the diel cycle, and various aspect of interactions among the bacteria. Experiments will also be performed to analyze how abrupt changes in light intensity and temperature as well as the addition of exogenous microbes impact mat growth, structure, electrical and metabolic networks. The work will be performed by an international group of investigators. Preference will be given to candidates who have worked with microbes and have experience with molecular and omics approaches.  If interested, please apply below. For informal inquiries, please contact Arthur Grossman (arthurg@stanford.edu) and Devaki Bhaya (dbhaya@carnegiescience.edu).

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Junior Research Associate/Lab Manager

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000

Location: Stanford, CA

The Burlacot Lab in the Biosphere Sciences and Engineering Division at the Carnegie Institution for Science is seeking a Junior Research Associate. We are a dynamic and close-knit team that leads research on photosynthetic CO2 fixation to build a more sustainable future. The laboratory uses genetic and biophysical tools to understand the energy balance of photosynthetic algae and how to optimize it.

Under the supervision of Adrien Burlacot, and in collaboration with all laboratory members, you will play a central role in studying the effects of light fluctuations on the energetic balance of microalgae, contributing both intellectually and experimentally to it and contributing to making decisions on the steps to be taken. You will also be responsible for various tasks that ensure the smooth functioning of the lab, including lab management, be responsible for purchasing lab supplies, and managing lab stocks for consumables and algal strains, which should take about 20% of your time. You will assist with orientation and training of new staff or students on lab procedures or techniques and may be required to supervise trainees and students in the lab. 

The scientific project focuses on using specific mutant strains of microalgae already available in the Burlacot Lab to establish how dynamic restructuration of photosynthesis allows algae to acclimate to varying energy levels. 

The position is based in Dr. Adrien Burlacot’s lab and will involve collaboration with all lab members as well as researchers at the Biosphere, Science, and Engineering Division, offering excellent opportunities for joint mentoring and career development. Members of the Burlacot lab are all supported in their career development and you will be mentored on a regular basis in this aspect. The position is fully funded and comes with competitive benefits including healthcare support and retirement benefits.

Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in microbiology, or a related field
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Programming skills: ability to develop and implement simple codes in Python or R.
• Willingness to take responsibilities in a small team and to actively contribute to developing the lab organization and projects.
• Willingness to take part in building a dynamic, inclusive, and interactive lab atmosphere.
• Willingness to foster synergistic interactions with other labs from the Carnegie Institution for Science and Stanford University.
• Full mastership of microbiology and molecular biology is a plus.

Informal inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Adrien Burlacot at aburlacot@carnegiescience.edu. Formal applications for employment must be submitted by clicking on the bar below, including a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Carnegie is an equal-opportunity employer.  In accordance with applicable laws, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.

Part-Time Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $20 per hour

Location: Stanford, CA

Part-Time Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Location: Stanford, CA

Immediate opening for a 1-year Part Time Research Assistant position in the laboratory of Dr. Shouling Xu / Mass Spectrometry Facility at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, in Stanford, California. The position is for about 15-19 hours per week. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Duties include:

• Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
• Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
• Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
• Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.

Qualifications:

– Strong academic record and Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology/ or equivalent. Completion of an undergraduate course in plant biology is a plus.

– 1-2 years of lab experience (outside of coursework) and familiarity with common molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning, western. 

-The job requires someone who is meticulous, proactive, and highly organized.

– Good judgment and common sense as well as critical thinking and attention to detail are required. Must possess excellent analytical, and written/verbal communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.

– General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.

• Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
• Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.

Please include contact information, a cover letter, a resume, work experience, and 2 letters of recommendation.

To apply, please submit your application below.

The Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

 

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $77,942

Location: Stanford, CA

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative person; we prefer strong training in molecular biology/bioinformatics/metabolic biology.

The position is available immediately and the project involves elucidating functions associated with the early evolution of primary plastids and photosynthetic processes in eukaryotes. We are especially interested in those innovations that enable the crucial transition of a protist from heterotrophy to photoautotrophy. The Postdoctoral Associate will have the unique opportunity to work closely with other members of a highly motivated multi-disciplinary international team.

The Carnegie Institution for Science is on the Stanford campus, in the San Francisco Bay area, with opportunities for extensive social and scientific interactions. The project is funded by NASA and the contract will be for one year at a time (it is a three-year grant) and renewable based on performance.

Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.