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.