The Hatzenpichler Lab at Montana State University, Bozeman, is looking for a postdoctoral scholar to study the spatial organization of microbial activity in marine sediments. Specifically, we seek to analyze the identity, three-dimensional distribution, and cell-cell interactions of metabolically active microbes in salt marsh and deep-sea sediments. Succinctly, we want to test the hypothesis that the metabolic rates of individual cells located in close physical proximity may vary by orders of magnitude due to differences in nutrient availability, mineral distribution, and metabolic interactions between cells. The postdoc will use a unique combination of cutting-edge techniques, including bioorthogonal labeling of translationally active cells, stable isotope probing and Raman microspectroscopy, as well as sorting and sequencing of individual metabolically active cells to accomplish this objective.
Applicants must be highly motivated and have strong research experience and a publication record in the fields of environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, microbial physiology, or biogeochemistry. Candidates with strong proficiency in molecular biological techniques (e.g. isotope labeling, cell sorting) and bioinformatics (genome sequencing and annotation, programming, and data visualization) are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in environmental microbiology, marine ecology, geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry or a related field at the time of the appointment. Requirements are: excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work in a team; student mentoring; commitment to the development of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals; and a willingness to participate in experimental field work and visits to collaborator labs.
The position will be available starting September 1st 2017 and will include full benefits. The position is funded for 24 months by a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Marine Microbiology Initiative, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance and funding.
Applicants will be required to submit a CV (including a list of publications), a 1-2 page statement on research experience and interests, as well as the names and contact information of three references in a single pdf file. Until official announcement of the position on MSU’s website, please send informal inquiries to roland.hatzenpichler@montana.edu. For additional information about our lab, please visit www.environmental-microbiology.com.