Postdoctoral Researcher in Fuhrman Lab, USC - Immediately Available

To study how the interactions between bacteria, archaea, viruses, and protists regulate the distributions and activities of global marine planktonic microorganisms.

A postdoctoral position in marine microbial ecology is immediately available (February 2021) in Dr. Jed Fuhrman’s research group at USC. The overall focus of the research, funded by the CBIOMES project of the Simons Foundation, is a better understanding how the interactions between bacteria, archaea, viruses, and protists regulate the distributions and activities of marine planktonic microorganisms in the global ocean. CBIOMES is ultimately a global modeling effort, and the Fuhrman Lab contributes by studying the biogeography, genomics, growth, loss, and activities of marine microbial communities, with a focus on material most informative to models. Candidates should have a PhD degree and significant experience (and publications) in microbial ecology, including bioinformatics with ‘omics data, involving mixed natural communities of microorganisms. Experience with hands-on molecular biological analysis of aquatic samples, ideally including viruses, is an advantage. Work involves analysis of new and existing very large sequence datasets (metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, 16S, 18S, other marker genes) from prior lab experiments and oceanographic measurements. Much of the work involves our San Pedro Ocean Time Series (SPOT) and vicinity. There is frequent access to fresh open-water samples via the USC boat that travels to our well-equipped marine laboratory on Santa Catalina Island. The ideal candidate has strong quantitative skills and broad microbial ecological understanding, with experience handling very large ‘omics datasets. Experience in both laboratory and field based aquatic research is strongly preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work well in a team including modelers, are required. Postdocs are well paid and have a benefit package including health insurance. We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Current funding for this position goes through late summer 2022 and there is a good expectation it will be renewed. Applicants should send their CV, a letter of intent describing their motivation, qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to this position, and contact information (including telephone numbers) for three references. Candidates may contact Dr. Fuhrman directly at fuhrman@usc.edu.

Application deadline: Open until filled
Start date: Open until filled
Location: Los Angeles