We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher to investigate how host microbiomes and host skin peptides interact and affect chytrid disease dynamics in Appalachian salamander species that differ in chytrid susceptibility. Candidates should have a PhD and demonstrated record of publications. Salary for the position it $50k for one year (+ $4k health insurance subsidy). Target start date is March 2nd, 2020.

The project is funded through the Smithsonian Scholarly Studies grant Innate skin defense in salamanders with varying disease susceptibility. The position is based in the lab of Dr. Carly Muletz Wolz (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation/carly-r-muletz-wolz), and in collaboration with Dr. Brian Gratwicke and analytical chemists at the Smithsonian and George Mason University. The project will be based in Washington, DC, USA at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics with spring fieldwork in the Appalachian region of Maryland and Virginia.

The aim of the project is to integrate microbial ecology and proteomics to determine how microbiome and peptide diversity differ among host species and examine the relative influence of the combination of host-secreted peptides and microbiomes (the mucosome) on pathogen-killing ability. 

The post-doc will lead and conduct field sampling, culturing assays, molecular work (microbiome and disease diagnostics), data analysis in R and preparation of manuscripts. Applicants must have experience in most of the following: field work, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, qPCR, culturing microbes, multivariate statistics, and R computing language. The applicant must have the ability to conduct and supervise lab operations, design and execute field work, analyze data, and write high-impact publications. The position offers opportunities for mentoring undergraduate summer interns. Research will be conducted in well-equipped, modern laboratories. Skills or interest in high-resolution mass spectrometry and analytical chemistry is an advantage.

If interested, please email muletzc@si.edu and attach a single PDF that includes a 1-page cover letter explaining research interests and experience, a CV, contact information for two referees, and up to three representative reprints by January 7th, 2020.