Postdoctoral Scholar- Amphibian Diseases and Microbial Ecology

Job Description and Position Requirements

The Bletz Lab at Penn State is seeking to hire a postdoctoral scholar. The position start dates are flexible, with an ideal start date in Fall 2024. Research in the Bletz Lab lies at the intersection of disease ecology, microbial ecology, and wildlife conservation. We ask both fundamental and applied ecological questions using field surveys, laboratory and field-based experiments, microbial culturing and functional bioassays, and multi-omics approaches. We use amphibian-chytrid systems (Bd & Bsal) to understand, “how do host defenses, host microbiomes and the environment interact to shape host-pathogen dynamics and disease outcomes?” and then, use this information, to answer, “how can we modulate these relationships to shift disease outcomes and promote survival?”

• Initiate research projects within our research sphere.
• Wrap up existing manuscripts.
• Mentor students.
• Assist with lab management activities.

Duties

The postdoctoral scholar will contribute by:

• Leading research in the lab and/or the field.
• Performing molecular techniques including: DNA extractions, PCR, qPCR for pathogen diagnostics, 16S rRNA library prep, and other methods of high-throughput sequencing.
• Preparing, processing, and analyzing amplicon sequencing and metagenomic data.
• Compiling, managing, and analyzing datasets with appropriate statistical methods including univariate and multivariate methods.
• Leading preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Presenting research findings at conferences.
• Contributing to lab management activities: coordinating lab equipment use, curating lab databases, coordinating lab ordering.

Eligibility

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines, be excited to help jumpstart our new lab, and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel, exciting questions. Individuals who have an interest in data analysis, writing and coordinating/managing lab activities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualities

• A background in or interest in microbial ecology, amphibian disease, conservation, and omics approaches.
• A collaborative mindset and attitude.
• Strong organization and time management skills.
• An enjoyment in both independent and collaborative work.
• An interest in preparing scientific publications.
• Experience with designing and executing experimental studies, including pathogen exposure experiments.
• Experience with molecular techniques.
• Experience analyzing barcoded amplicon sequencing and/or metagenomic data.
• Experience with statistical modeling (general linear models, network analysis, etc.).
• Experience with culturing microorganisms (fungi and/or bacteria).
• Experience with R and/or other programming languages.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics and modeling approaches for microbiome datasets.
• An ability to bridge fields, including microbial ecology, genomics/transcriptomics, statistics, immunology.
• An interest in supervising students.

Location

This position will be located at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park in State College, Pennsylvania.

Application

I highly encourage applicants from historically underrepresented groups in science or non-traditional backgrounds to apply for this position. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references to REQ_0000057682 at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. The cover letter should be 1–2 pages describing: research interests and background, why you are interested in this position, career goals, availability for starting this position, experience and/or enthusiasm for learning about the dimensions outlined in the position description and preferred qualities.

Contact

Dr. Molly Bletz (molly.bletz@psu.edu)

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Employment with the University Will Require

Successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.