Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Molecular Approaches for Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species

College of Agriculture – TSU Ag and Environmental Research, Tennessee State University, Main Campus. Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 12 months per year.

About the role

The Wildlife Ecology Laboratory (WEL) at Tennessee State University (TSU) is seeking a post-doctoral research associate to utilize environmental DNA as an early screening tool for aquatic invasive species in National Forests throughout the southeast United States. The project will refine molecular approaches to screen for aquatic invasive species and compare eDNA screening approaches to traditional aquatic survey methods.

The postdoc will work collaboratively with researchers from the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and Clemson University, leading research efforts related to sample processing and post-processing of genome-scale bioinformatics data. The successful candidate will assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in the WEL and may contribute to other ongoing wildlife research projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead research efforts in sample processing and post-processing of genome-scale bioinformatics data for eDNA screening of aquatic invasive species.
• Compare eDNA screening approaches to traditional aquatic survey methods.
• Collaborate with researchers from the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and Clemson University.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the Wildlife Ecology Laboratory.
• Contribute to other ongoing wildlife research projects as opportunities arise.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications, including at least one first-author publication.
• Experience with molecular approaches, including quantitative PCR, metabarcoding, and post-processing of genome-scale bioinformatics data.
• Effective writing and quantitative skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with the R statistical analysis platform.
• Prior experience with occupancy and species distribution models.

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Annual leave (vacation) and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Flexible benefits plans.