Honey bee-microbiome-parasite interactions Postdoctoral Position at Virginia Tech
An NSF-funded postdoctoral position is available in the labs of Dr. Lisa Belden (Dept. of Biological Sciences) and Dr. David Haak (School of Plant and Environmental Sciences) at Virginia Tech. The candidate will investigate interactions between honey bees, their gut microbiome and Nosema parasites in a systems biology context. Additional collaborators include Dr. Rick Fell in the Dept. of Entomology, Dr. T.M. Murali in the Dept. of Computer Science and Dr. Jenifer Walke at Eastern Washington University. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting experiments with honey bees, isolating and culturing bacteria, and completing molecular work to quantify Nosema infection and prep samples for next-generation sequencing (metagenomics and metatranscriptomics). Opportunities will also be available to work on the analysis of the ‘-omics’ data and mathematical models, and to assist in outreach to local schools that will involve building and using Raspberry Pi clusters. Mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students will be expected as part of the collaborative team. Funding is available for 3 years, pending annual performance review. Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related field; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team; and a demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed publications. Candidates with a background in disease ecology, community ecology, or microbial ecology will be given preference. Having some experience with bees is also preferred. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and statement of interest online at www.jobs.vt.edu <https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/>.jobs.vt.edu <https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/> (posting # SR0180170), along with contact information for three professional references. If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact the search chair, Dr. Lisa Belden, at bel...@vt.edu <mailto:bel...@vt.edu>. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. The proposed start date is negotiable, but could be as early as February, 2019. Virginia Tech is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Institution. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify the search chair by the review start date.
