Postdoctoral Associate in Protistan Ecology
A 2-year postdoctoral position is available starting as early as February 1, 2017 as part of a project investigating Arctic protists that have the ability to use both photosynthetic and heterotrophic nutrition (mixotrophs). The goals of the project are to: 1) study the physiology of different algal groups that have been identified as mixotrophic and occur in the Arctic seas; this includes an examination of how changes in irradiance, temperature and dissolved nutrients affect photosynthesis versus bacterivory; 2) evaluate differential gene expression via RNAseq transcriptomes in cultures where grazing is high versus low for a subset of species from each of the major groups; and 3) relate grazing rates to the abundance of the Arctic species determined using qPCR and environmental DNA samples previously collected throughout the Arctic to estimate grazing impact by mixotrophs in the polar ecosystem.
The postdoctoral researcher will join a team lead by Robert Sanders (Temple University) and Rebecca Gast (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), and will work with Arctic cultures in laboratory-based experiments. Basic qualifications are a PhD in aquatic ecology, biological oceanography or a related field. Experience in protistan/ phytoplankton biology, including culturing, is expected. Previous training in molecular techniques and/or bioinformatics is highly preferred, but not required. The position will be based at Temple University in Philadelphia PA, but the postdoc will also work closely with the Gast laboratory in Woods Hole MA. To apply please send an application letter, curriculum vitae and names of at least two professional references to Bob Sanders. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Robert W. Sanders
Department of Biology
1900 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia PA 19122
Ph. 215-204-2056
http://sites.temple.edu/bobsanders/
Email: robert.sanders@temple.edu