We seek one postdoctoral researcher for work related to Aquatic Intermittency Effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS). AIMS is a multi-institutional interdisciplinary research project, spanning five states in the United States 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 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 and the large AIMS project team. The position will remain open until filled. Salary has been approved at $55,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. Includes a competitive benefits package. Offers of employment may be conditional pending successful completion of a background investigation.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in field campaigns
- 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.
- 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.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, in a large research team as well as independently.
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.
How to apply
Cover Letter addressed to Dr. Ken Aho (ahoken@isu.edu) and Dr. Yaqi You (yyou@esf.edu), outlining your research experience and interests, expertise, and career goals; CV/Resume; and a list of three (3) professional references with contact information. Or apply online: https://isu.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=1164&site=1.