Summary
The D’Souza Lab at Arizona State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar for an interdisciplinary research program. The successful candidate will investigate how bacterial interactions shape community structure, growth dynamics, ecological outcomes, and evolutionary trajectories within complex and spatially structured environments.
Postdoctoral Research Scholar: Microbial Ecology & Bacterial Interactions at ASU, USA
Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Institution | Arizona State University (Knowledge Enterprise, Biodesign Institute, Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics) |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Scholar |
| Location | Tempe Campus |
| Open Date | August 07, 2026 |
| Application Link | Apply via Interfolio |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Scholar
Research Area
Microbial ecology, molecular biology, bacterial interactions, and the spatial organization of microbial communities. Emphasis on Type VI secretion system-mediated antagonism, Vibrio ecology, microfluidics, quantitative microscopy, mutant construction, and single-cell analysis.
Location
Tempe Campus, Arizona State University
Eligibility/Qualification
Minimum Qualification:
- PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field obtained within the last 2 years or less.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and bacterial genetics.
- Experience with bacterial strain engineering, molecular cloning, fluorescence microscopy, and microbial assays.
- Experience with quantitative data analysis; programming skills (Python, R, or MATLAB) are a plus.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Interest in mentoring students and fostering a positive research environment.
Job Description
Essential duties for this role include:
- Experimental Design & Execution: Conduct experiments on microbial interactions, bacterial competition, community ecology, and microbial evolution.
- Molecular Biology & Genetics: Perform mutant construction, gene deletions, fluorescent reporter development, PCR, cloning, Gibson/HiFi assembly, and bacterial transformation/conjugation.
- Microbiology Assays: Culture and manipulate Vibrio and other species. Perform bacterial competition/growth assays, mutant phenotyping, and microscopy-based assays.
- Advanced Imaging: Conduct microfluidic experiments and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy for single-cell and community behavioral analysis.
- Data Analysis & Record Keeping: Analyze quantitative datasets and maintain accurate lab records (protocols, strains, freezer stocks, datasets).
- Academic Contributions: Contribute to manuscript preparation, fellowship/grant applications, and present findings at seminars and conferences.
- Leadership: Mentor graduate/undergraduate students and support overall lab operations and safety protocols.
How to Apply
Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. To apply, you must submit the following required application materials via the application portal:
- Cover letter
- A complete curriculum vitae (CV)
- The names and contact information of three references (name, position, title, organization, email, and phone number)
Last Date to Apply
- Initial Application Deadline: Monday, August 24, 2026
- Note: Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool until the position is filled.
