UC Davis is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in microbial and/or community ecology to participate in collaborative projects on the seagrass microbiome with Jay Stachowicz in the Department of Evolution and Ecology.
The postdoc will work with PI Stachowicz on many ongoing projects involving interactions between eelgrass (Zostera marina) and its associated microbes with the goal of understanding the role of the microbiome in the functioning of eelgrass ecosystems. The postdoctoral researcher will both collect new data (for example, on the relationship between microbiome and infection by eelgrass wasting disease) and mine existing data already available (global microbiome database with environmental correlates, paired plant genotype and microbiome data) to assess links between the microbiome and ecological functioning in communities of eelgrass (Zostera marina). In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to develop his/her own research project that furthers understanding of host-microbiome interactions in marine systems. The postdoc would be based on the UC Davis campus in the Department of Evolution and Ecology but the postdoc will also have access to people and resources at the UCD genome center and the Bodega Marine Lab and surrounding environments. QUALIFICATIONS: • A Ph.D. in Ecology, Microbiology, Marine Sciences or a closely related field • Experience using bioinformatic pipelines to analyze microbial community composition from sequence data. • Demonstrated ability to follow through on project deliverables and communicate findings in publications in high quality peer-reviewed journals. • Strong statistical skills and demonstrated proficiency with R or another statistical program. • Strong attention to detail, evidenced by prior research. SALARY: Salary and benefits are consistent with UC Davis policy and applicant experience. Salary for a 1st year Postdoc is $49,188 TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit a CV, the names and contact information for three potential references, and a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in the position and how their past research and future research goals fit within the position. All materials should be submitted in PDF format to [email protected] Applications received by October 15 will receive full consideration, but the position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed as they arrive. The position is available starting Jan 1 2019, although some flexibility in this start date is possible for the ideal candidate. Questions about the position should be directed to Jay Stachowicz [email protected]. More information about this research can be found at: https://stachlab.wordpress.com OR https://seagrassmicrobiome.org. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the development of a climate that supports equality of opportunity and respect for differences.
