Postdoctoral fellow in fungal metagenomics and ecology at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
A postdoctoral position is available in the department of Plant
Biology, in the School of Integrative Biology, at the University of
Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. PIs Ferrer (aquatic mycologist), Heath
(plant and microbe evolution), and Dalling (plant and fungal
community ecology) are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to work
on a NSF-funded Dimensions of Biodiversity project aimed at
understanding the ecological and genetic controls on fungal community
assembly and decomposition function in tropical wood-decomposing
aquatic fungi. Both the Heath and Dalling labs are lively,
highly-collaborative environments with students and postdocs working
on a range of topics in ecology and evolution of plants, bacteria, and fungi.
The duties of the project postdoc will include preparing libraries
for metagenomic sequencing of aquatic fungi communities from
environmental DNA samples, RNAseq of cultured fungi in response to
various environmental treatments, downstream bioinformatic and
statistical analyses, and writing manuscripts based on these results.
Expertise in some or all of the following areas is desired: Molecular
biology, (meta)genomics, bioinformatics, statistical analysis,
ecology, evolution.
Strong candidates will also possess the following attributes:
- A strong publication record from their PhD (papers published, in
press, or submitted).
- Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
All candidates must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field. The
position is available for 2 years, with the first year as a
probationary period, and will include a competitive salary and full benefits.
Application review will begin May 1, 2014 and will continue until the
position is filled. Start date is flexible, probably August 2014 or
later. All materials should be submitted to the PIs below for
consideration. Applications should include a brief cover letter,
curriculum vitae, a brief description of past research
accomplishments and future research goals (under two pages), and the
names and contact information for three references.
Contact Dr. Katy Heath, [email protected], regarding the position
or application process. For further information about the Heath lab,
visit the lab webpage accessible at:
<http://www.life.illinois.edu/heath>http://www.life.illinois.edu/heath
Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard
to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a
protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a
disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds,
experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and
inclusivity.
(<http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu>www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).
