Job Title

Microbiome Ecology Laboratory, Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Department

Biology

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Microbiome Ecology Lab at Middle Tennessee State University is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral research assistant position (K06010) for an NSF-funded project entitled “Fungal pathogen induced dysbiosis alters microbiome assembly along host resource gradients: implications for biodiversity conservation.” This position is a one-year temporary appointment with a possible annual renewal for up to four years. The start date of the position is November 1, 2023.

The microbiome is an important component of host health and can provide disease resistance to wildlife pathogens. Dysbiosis is defined as disruption to a microbiome's typical function or composition, potentially resulting in adverse effects to host health. Studies spanning multiple scales in ecology (field, live animal, lab-based) allow for explicit hypothesis tests, cross-validation of observed ecological trends, and the establishment of fundamental rules governing pathogen-induced dysbiosis. The proposed work will use the snake fungal disease system to improve understanding of disease ecology, bacterial-fungal interactions, and dysbiosis to skin microbiomes across scales in biology. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to work with a team to produce the most comprehensive census of bacterial and fungal microbiome diversity on any reptile species to date to inform experimental systems focused on microbial interactions and disease ecology. The postdoc will develop a tractable model system to experimentally test for the effect of pathogen-induced dysbiosis on resource gradients and microbiome structure and function.

The successful candidate is expected to have excellent quantitative skills and substantial experience in R, excellent written and oral communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to publish as first author in peer-reviewed journals, and be self-motivated with an excellent work ethic.

Required Education

A PhD in community ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, microbial ecology, wildlife disease, or a closely related field is required. Applicants who are ABD will also be considered.

Other Desirables

Applicants with field experience or experience with reptile or amphibian animal husbandry will receive special consideration.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include the following documents as separate attachments at the time of online application submittal: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and Research Statement (as appropriate to the discipline). 

Special Instruction to Applicants 

If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128.

If you have position-specific questions, please contact Donny Walker at Donald.Walker@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: 09/06/2023