The Rynearson and Menden-Deuer labs at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography invite applications to fill a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on investigating the metabolic response of microzooplankton to food availability as part of the NASA EXPORTS program.
Responsibilities and Duties: The overall aim of the grant is to understand the role of microzooplankton composition and activities in transforming organic carbon in the water column. This includes examination of how predators regulate metabolic pathways in response to their prey field. The postdoc’s responsibilities will include analysis of metatranscriptome datasets from both the Pacific and Atlantic EXPORTS campaigns and the opportunity to design sampling schemes for the Atlantic campaign in spring of 2020. Depending on skill set and interests, the postdoc will have the opportunity to participate in laboratory and field work. Responsibilities also include dissemination of results in publications and presentations. The postdoc will be required to contribute to the functioning of the lab, assist with graduate or undergraduate student mentoring and will be encouraged to develop future research projects. There is no teaching requirement or expectation to write research grants but those opportunities can be provided.
Qualifications: Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. degree by December 2019 in Oceanography, Biology, Computer Science or a related field. Candidates must possess demonstrable experience with the bioinformatic and statistical analyses of high-throughput RNAseq data and familiarity with cell biology. Excellent command of the English language (written and verbal) and quantitative analytical skills are important.
Appointment: The position is for 12-months initially, commencing between Oct & Dec 2019 and renewable depending on funding availability and performance. The successful candidate will receive training in research collaboration, presentation and publication of results, and outreach and mentoring.
To Apply: Applications must include (1) a maximum 3-page statement of experience, career goals, research vision and interests; (2) curriculum vitae, (3) reprints of relevant publications and (4) names and addresses of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed as a single pdf document to:
rynearson@uri.edu with ‘EXPORTS PostDoc Application’ in the subject line. Candidates will be selected based on overall excellence, including academic qualifications, letters of recommendation, and prior skills, experience, and research goals that are compatible with the goals of the funded research. The position is compensated through a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Closing date: For full consideration, applications should be received by Sept 4, 2019.
More information: Rynearson lab: https://web.uri.edu/rynearson-lab/
Menden-Deuer lab: http://mendendeuerlab.com/