The Ruff Lab at the MBL Ecosystems Center seeks a postdoctoral researcher (PD) to conduct independent research at the interface of soil microbial ecology, (eco)physiology and biogeochemistry. The overarching goal of the project is to investigate microbial populations and metabolisms that are involved in the production and consumption of soil necromass. Necromass – dead microbial biomass – is an important part of soil organic matter and can be a long-term sink of atmospheric carbon. In this project we seek to understand how microbes and minerals make necromass that persists, which microbial activities produce and consume necromass and how environmental parameters (e.g. mineral content, soil moisture) impact necromass stability.

To obtain comprehensive insights the PD will use a combination of approaches including multi-omics, long-read sequencing, stable isotope probing (SIP), chromatography and mass spectrometry, cultivation, and high-resolution microscopy. In collaboration with leading labs in their field the project also includes mineralogy and SIP-metagenomics (lab of Dr. Kristen De Angelis), metaproteomics and Protein-SIP (lab of Dr. Manuel Kleiner) and metabolic modelling (lab of Melanie Mayes). The position is funded through a Department of Energy grant enabling the PD to become part of an excellent network of soil scientists and environmental microbiologists.

The researcher will work in the Ecosystems Center as well as the Josephine Bay Paul Center and will be able to substantially shape the research direction and develop original questions within the overall scope of the project. We seek a creative and motivated postdoctoral scientist with a publication track record in microbiology or related fields. Funding support is available for up to three years, but performance will be reviewed on an annual basis.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology, biochemistry, biogeochemistry, bioinformatics, or equivalent areas of research by start date.
• Strong work ethic, ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent written communication skills including demonstrated publication record in area of expertise

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

One or more of the following:

• Experience with -omics techniques: (meta)genomics, RNA-seq, metabolomics, (meta)proteomics
• Experience with sequencing platforms and downstream analyses (e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore)
• Experience with java, python, and/or R. Ability to develop scripts for microbial bioinformatics.
• Experience with cell staining, whole cell hybridization, microscopy
• Experience in culturing, and/or bioengineering
• Experience with chromatography methods, mass spectrometry
• Experience with physiological/biochemical characterization and reconstruction of archaeal and bacterial metabolisms

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit the following documents with your application:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research Goals
• List of 3 References - Names and contact information only. Please do not submit unsolicited letters.