Postdoctoral Scholar-Amphibian Diseases and Microbial Ecology

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Bletz Lab at Penn State is seeking to hire a postdoctoral scholar. The position start dates are flexible, with an ideal start date in Fall 2024.

Research in the Bletz Lab lies at the intersection of disease ecology, microbial ecology, and wildlife conservation. We ask both fundamental and applied ecological questions using field surveys, laboratory and field-based experiments, microbial culturing and functional bioassays, and multi-omics approaches. We use amphibian-chytrid systems (Bd & Bsal) to understand, “how do host defenses, host microbiomes and the environment interact to shape host-pathogen dynamics and disease outcomes?” and then, use this information, to answer, “how can we modulate these relationships to shift disease outcomes and promote survival?”

The postdoctoral scholar will contribute by: initiating research projects within our research sphere, wrapping up existing manuscripts, mentoring students, and assisting with lab management activities. The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant and complement the lab’s broad interests in amphibian disease, microbiomes, and host immunity. This position has the potential to include (1) contributing to an NSF-funded research aimed at understanding disease dynamics in wildlife trade using amphibians as a model system, (2) leading research to investigate microbial contributions to immune system development and disease protection in amphibians, and (3) leading functional genomics work on host-associated microbes. Research will likely include field and/or lab-based experiments, culture assays and molecular work, multi-omics techniques, and establishing bioinformatic pipelines for data analysis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines, be excited to help jumpstart our new lab, and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel, exciting questions. Individuals who have an interest in data analysis, writing and coordinating/managing lab activities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties:

• work closely with the PI, collaborators, and lab personnel to lead research in the lab and/or the field.
• perform molecular techniques including: DNA extractions, PCR, qPCR for pathogen diagnostics, 16S rRNA library prep, and other methods of high-throughput sequencing.
• prepare, process, and analyze amplicon sequencing and metagenomic data.
• compile, manage, and analyze datasets with appropriate statistical methods including univariate and multivariate methods.
• lead preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• present research findings at conferences.
• contribute to lab management activities: coordinate lab equipment use, curate lab databases, coordinate lab ordering.

Eligibility:  PhD in ecology, biology, microbiology, or other related field. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire.

Preferred Qualities: The information listed below is meant to capture the breadth of skills that would help applicants succeed in this position; however, I do not expect individual applicants to possess all of these skills

• a background in or interest in microbial ecology, amphibian disease, conservation, and omics approaches
• collaborative mindset and attitude
• strong organization and time management skills
• enjoyment in both independent and collaborative work 
• interest in preparing scientific publications
• ability to design and execute experimental studies, including pathogen exposure experiments
• experience with molecular techniques
• experience analyzing barcoded amplicon sequencing and/or metagenomic data
• experience with statistical modeling (general linear models, network analysis, etc.)
• experience with culturing microorganisms (fungi and/or bacteria)
• experience with R and/or other programming languages
• familiarity with bioinformatics and modeling approaches for microbiome datasets
• ability to bridge fields, including microbial ecology, genomics/transcriptomics, statistics, immunology
• experience or interest in supervising students

Location: This position will be located at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park in State College, Pennsylvania.

Application: I highly encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups in science or non-traditional backgrounds to apply for this position. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references to REQ_0000057682 at https://hr.psu.edu/careers.

The cover letter should be 1–2 pages describing:

• research interests and background
• why you are interested in this position
• career goals
• availability for starting this position
• experience and/or enthusiasm for learning about the dimensions outlined in the position description and preferred qualities

Informal inquiries are welcome – contact Dr. Molly Bletz ([email protected])

Salary/Benefits The position salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and includes benefits. Initial contracts will be 1 year contracts and renewed based on performance for a second year with the potential for continuation for additional years.

Application Deadline: accepting applications until the positions are filled. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Position Start Date: Fall 2024                               Contact: Dr. Molly Bletz ([email protected])

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: