Postdoctoral Research Associate Position: Predator-Prey Interactions in the Plankton
The Menden-Deuer and Rynearson labs at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography invite applications to fill a Postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on investigating the metabolic responses of heterotrophic protists to different prey conditions. Responsibilities and Duties: The postdoctoral associate will be primarily responsible for conducting controlled lab experiments with protist predators and their prey and interpreting results. Tools involved will include culturing of live plankton, flow cytometry, and the application of molecular methods to tease apart the regulation of metabolic pathways in response to prey field. Responsibilities also include dissemination of results in publications and presentations and a willingness to assist with proposal preparation. The individual will be required to contribute to the functioning of the lab, assist with graduate or undergraduate student mentoring and develop future research projects. The successful individual will have the opportunity to conduct follow-on fieldwork consisting of coordinated sampling with the Narragansett Bay long-term plankton time series program. Qualifications: Candidates are required to have received a Ph.D. degree by June of 2016 in Oceanography, Biology or a related field. Excellent command of the English language (written and verbal) and quantitative analytical skills are essential. Candidates must possess demonstrable experience with the application of molecular methods (e.g. PCR, qPCR, bioinformatics) and familiarity with cell biology. Bioinformatics and statistical skills are preferred. Appointment: The position is for 12-months initially, commencing in May 2016 and renewable depending on funding availability and performance. The successful candidate will receive training in research collaboration, presentation and publication of results, and outreach and mentoring. There will be opportunities for development of additional research projects and proposals. To Apply: Applications must include (1) a maximum 3-page statement of experience, career goals, research vision and interests; (2) curriculum vitae, (3) reprints of relevant publications and (4) names and addresses of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed as a single pdf document to: rynear...@uri.edu with ‘Predator PostDoc Application’ in the subject line. Candidates will be selected based on overall excellence, including academic qualifications, letters of recommendation, and prior skills, experience, and research goals that are compatible with the goals of the funded research. The position is compensated through a competitive salary and excellent benefits package. Closing date: For full consideration, applications should be received by Mar 4, 2016. Further information: Rynearson lab: http://www.gso.uri.edu/rynearson-lab/ Menden-Deuer lab: http://mendendeuerlab.com/
