We seek one postdoctoral researcher for work related to Aquatic Intermittency Effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS), funded by the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaborations (RII Track-2 FEC). AIMS is a multi-institutional interdisciplinary research project, spanning five states (Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi) and eight institutions that aspires to understand how physical drivers (e.g., climate, hydrology) interact with biological drivers (e.g., microbiome, biogeochemistry) to control water quality in intermittent streams. The postdoc will have the opportunity to participate in cross-region field work in Western Mountains, Central Plains, Southeastern Forests and integrate environmental “Big Data” (sensor data, next-generation sequencing data, biogeochemical data) generated from a network of instrumented sites in those three regions.
The postdoc will work directly with Ken Aho (Idaho State University) and Yaqi You (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry), and collaborate with other Idaho State University team members (Sarah Godsey, Rebecca Hale, Kathleen Lohse) and the large AIMS project team.
Key responsibilities:
- Participate in field campaigns in arid and/or mountainous regions
- Coordinate and synthesize microbiome data
- Lead bioinformatics and statistical analysis
- Obtain a Data Carpentry instructor certificate and develop modules for virtual workshops
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology, ecology, environmental science, biogeochemistry, or closely related fields
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, in a large research team as well as independently
- Fluent with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA manipulation, PCR, qPCR) and next-generation sequencing using platforms such as Illumina and Oxford Nanopore
- Previous experience in integrating and analyzing large scale data (omics, biogeochemical data, etc.)
- Experience with UNIX shell scripting and facility with R, or other programming languages (Python, Ruby, Perl, etc.)
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and numerical ecology, interest in links between microbial ecology to water quality
- Experience and/or ability in conducting field work in arid and/or mountainous regions
- Familiarity with chromatography and spectroscopy
- Interest, experience, and/or ability to promote STEM diversity and inclusion
To Apply: submit the following materials online (https://isu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/1376?c=isu)
- Cover Letter outlining your research experience and interests, expertise, and career goals
- CV/resume
- Three professional references, including current contact information
Company Description:
Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!
