Position Announcements
Marine Bioinformatics, Protistan Ecology & Evolution Postdoctoral
Marine Bioinformatics, Protistan Ecology & Evolution Postdoctoral Positions (2)
These postdoctoral positions report to MBARI Scientist Alexandra Worden. Microbes play fundamental roles in all ocean ecology. Our focus is on the eukaryotic phytoplankton and microbial community interactions that shape phytoplankton dynamics. We use high throughput DNA/RNA sequencing and proteomics on populations in nature and experimental systems to study genetic and biological responses of these important primary producers. Integrated analyses of such data alongside physiological characterization have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of these microbes and genes of unknown function.
A number of challenges must be addressed including i) understanding diversity and organism abundances in these systems; ii) elucidating controls on forces of mortality (viruses, predators) and lifestyles (e.g. mixotrophic spectrum) and how this shapes host/prey dynamics; iii) analysis of RNAseq and proteomes in a biologically informative way. Collective analysis of gene complements and expression/protein synthesis will provide many new insights, particularly when combined with contextual data from oceanographic sites or experimental conditions. Our goal is to analyze and use these data to understand functional roles and dynamics of photosynthetic algae (including mixotrophs). In addition we seek to understand factors behind interactions with viruses and to associate genes of unknown function with ecologically important biological activities.
MBARI is seeking two post-doctoral scientists to: 1) undertake phylogenetic and bioinformatic analysis of culture and ocean based experiments and use these analyses to develop new knowledge on biology of unicellular eukaryotes and 2) develop hypotheses from sequence data on specific controls/pathways and perform experiments in axenic chemostat systems testing these hypotheses. Ultimate goals are to refine our understanding of phytoplankton communities and forces that regulate relative contributions to carbon fixation, such as predation, viral lysis and nutrients.
More information on general research in the group is available at: http://www.mbari.org/staff/azworden/
Qualifications
We are looking for highly-motivated, enthusiastic, science-driven and experienced postdoctoral researchers with demonstrated interest in working at the interface between bioinformatic and biological sciences. A background in marine microbial biology/informatics and/or ecology is essential and scripting skills are highly desirable. A PhD in a biological or computational field is required.
Term
The appointments are one year with extension anticipated based on job performance and funding. These positions are contingent on receipt of committed external funding.
To Apply
Applicants will need to submit the following:
• Cover letter explaining your background, relevance to the above research agendas, and career interests
• CV (including publications)
• Names and contact information for three references
Address your cover letter to:
MBARI, Human Resources
Job code: MBPE-PD
7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9644
Submit your cover letter, CV and referee information by e-mail to: jobs@mbari.org, by mail to the above address, or by fax to (831) 775-1620.
MBARI offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
MBARI is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. MBARI considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or covered veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
EOE
MBARI Welcomes Diversity