Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Description

The Hom Lab at the University of Mississippi is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to help lead a new NASA-funded project to study the biology of desiccation tolerance in microbes.

The successful candidate should have a record of research productivity/getting-things-done, project management and leadership, and successful mentorship of junior trainees. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work well with others. The expected commitment is for three years, with the potential to extend depending on annual performance and lab funding.

Requirements upon hire:

• a Ph.D. in biology or related field

• a strong track record of scholarly writing and publications in peer-reviewed journals

• excellent wet-lab bench skills

• demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology/genetic engineering of microbes

• experience in experimental biochemistry; experience working with RNA and/or proteins is a plus

• proficiency in NGS bioinformatic analyses, with an aptitude to improve

This project will involve generating multi-omics datasets from environmental samples and isolating/manipulating DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites. It will also involve leveraging machine learning approaches for analysis. A familiarity with multi-omics and machine learning approaches is preferred but not required. However, the successful candidate should be prepared and interested in becoming well-versed in the methods to be used and developed. Candidates should be highly motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a multi-institutional team involving collaborators at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (WA) and the Einstein College of Medicine (NY).

Our lab is generally interested in understanding how biotic and abiotic factors dovetail to facilitate the formation, persistence, and evolution of species interactions, notably those that are symbiotic. We are also passionate about STEM education and outreach to individuals and communities in underserved/disadvantaged contexts while pushing forward an innovative and world-class research program. https://darwinsdaemon.com

For questions or to apply, submit:

(1) a cover letter explaining your fit and interest in the position

(2) a detailed CV

(3) names and contact information for at least 3 references

(4) any optional files that may support their application (e.g., publication preprints).

via email to erik@olemiss.edu, using the subject line “Postdoc – Anhydrobiosis”

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We seek to fill this position as soon as possible, but are willing to wait for the right candidate. We warmly invite applications from women and others from non-majority backgrounds. Compensation will include health and retirement benefits.