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

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $72,000 (negotiable depending on experience)

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. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.