Post Doctoral Research Fellow: Boise State University is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join Dr. Leonora Bittleston’s lab as a Post Doctoral Research Fellow. This position, funded by the Simons Foundation Early Career Award in Aquatic Microbial Ecology and Evolution, offers an excellent opportunity to work in the Department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. The successful candidate will be involved in investigating coexistence in aquatic microbial communities using ecological principles.
Designation: Post Doctoral Research Fellow
Research Area: Aquatic Microbial Ecology and Evolution
Location: Boise, ID
Eligibility/Qualification:
- A Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, microbiology, or a closely related field.
- Strong experimental background, including experience with controlled laboratory experiments, microbial culturing, quantitative methods, R, and DNA or RNA-based bioinformatics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong work ethic, a record of publication and leadership, and a proven ability to work independently.
Job Description: The postdoctoral research fellow will be responsible for:
- Designing and conducting experiments to investigate coexistence in aquatic microbial communities.
- Working with a large library of bacterial strains isolated from pitcher plant habitats and utilizing existing genomic data.
- Manipulating resource complexity, predation, phylogenetic diversity, and environmental factors to understand microbiome assembly and coexistence.
- Conducting simulation-based modeling to compare theoretical diversity patterns with empirical results.
- Collaborating with Dr. Leonora Bittleston’s lab at Boise State University and receiving co-mentorship from Dr. Lauren Shoemaker at the University of Wyoming.
- Contributing to an inclusive and equitable working environment.
| Time Allocation | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 60% | – Conduct experiments in aquatic microbial ecology and evolution using strains previously isolated from pitcher plants.<br> – Explore mechanisms promoting coexistence within microbial communities.<br> – Build species-rich synthetic microbiomes.<br> – Analyze, interpret, document, and prepare research findings for publication.<br> – Develop outreach materials and present results.<br> – Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students. |
| 35% | – Problem-solve research challenges and model development.<br> – Contribute to additional projects.<br> – Prepare documentation of research activities.<br> – Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques.<br> – Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.<br> – Potentially assist in teaching classes. |
| 5% | – Travel for additional training or to present scientific results. |
How to Apply: Interested candidates are required to submit the following application materials:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Contact Information of Three (3) Professional References
To apply, please visit the Boise State University employment portal and complete the online application process.
Last Date for Apply: 30 June 2023, 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time
Please note that applicants who apply before June 19, 2023, will be given preference for the first round of interviews.
For more information about Boise State University and the City of Boise, please visit our website at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
Boise State University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals belonging to historically marginalized groups, including women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.
