Postdoctoral fellow in Environmental Aeromicrobiology

The Fowler lab at Simon Fraser University in Metro Vancouver is looking for a postdoctoral fellow in aeromicrobiology of methanotrophs starting in May-July 2023 for 2 years.

Project and responsibilities

The PDF will be leading an interdisciplinary project examining the metabolism of microbes in the atmosphere. In particular, the project will focus on methanotrophs and their ability to biotransform methane and other compounds under atmospheric conditions. The project will combine fieldwork, metagenomics, microbial cultivation and physiological characterization. The PDF will work closely with a PhD student in the Borduas-Dedekind lab, Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia on fieldwork and physiological characterization of methanotroph activity, and with master’s and undergraduate students at SFU on cultivation and characterization of methanotrophs.

The project includes a budget for knowledge dissemination and conference travel. The successful candidate will be actively supported to develop their academic publication and research record and will have ample networking opportunities.

Mentorship will be provided to support the candidate to extend the tenure of their appointment and top-up their salary by applying for external funding.

Qualifications

  • A PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, biotechnology or a related field, or evidence for a PhD defense/ submission date in the near future
  • Experience in at least one of the following: working with methanotrophic cultures or strains, analysis of metagenomic datasets, and/or experience with ambient air sampling and analysis
  • Experience with molecular methods such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR is essential, and experience working with low-biomass samples and complex matrices would be an asset
  • The ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and as part of a diverse team is essential as the successful candidate will be working across two labs in biology and chemistry departments
  • Strong writing skills, including experience publishing academic journal articles and conference proceedings
  • Creative problem solving and communication skills are valuable assets, as this project will require substantial development of new methodologies

In your application, please clearly indicate how you meet each of these qualifications.

About the position

The starting salary is $50,000 per year plus benefits. Preferred start dates are May - July, 2023.  The project PIs aim to foster open and diverse lab environments that support the scientific development of trainees from all walks of life. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. Equity and diversity enhance academic excellence.

To learn more about Dr. Fowler’s lab and their research visit: www.jfowlerlab.weebly.com

To learn more about Dr. Borduas-Dedekind’s lab and their research visit: www.atmoschemgroup.org

To join our team, please email sjfowler@sfu.ca with subject line Postdoctoral Fellow in Aeromicrobiology with the following items attached:

• Cover letter

• CV/Resume

Review of applications begins May 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled

Application deadline: Flexible
Start date: ASAP
Location: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada