Post-Doctoral Fellow - Spermosphere Microbiome Assembly and Seedling Metagenomics

P1756F

The Noel lab in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to work on a USDA-AFRI-funded project focused on metagenomics of the spermosphere. The project aims to integrate ecological theory and metagenomics to understand traits selected early in a plant’s life that result in vigorous growth. The candidate may also work with collaborating labs at Auburn University to understand the specific functions of pathogen secondary metabolite genes in seedling diseases or with collaborators at Pennsylvania State University to understand the functional diversity of the perturbed spermosphere. Candidates should demonstrate a clear and robust record of collaborative project management within a diverse and multidisciplinary team. Candidates should also show a strong history of data handling, manuscript preparation, problem-solving, and independent critical thinking. Training and demonstrated experience in bioinformatics on high-performance computing systems, including R and script-based programming languages, are encouraged to apply. The candidate will also have an opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and develop an independent research project related to the central aims of the research. This is a benefit-eligible, non-tenure track position. The appointment is for two years, possibly continuing, depending on performance and funding availability.

The University: Auburn University is a Carnegie R1, land-grant institution organized into twelve academic colleges and schools. Auburn is ranked 47th among public universities in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report. As of 2023, 26,874 undergraduate and 6,141 graduate and professional students were enrolled. There are 1,435 faculty members who offer more than 200 educational programs. The University is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, commitments to community engagement, positive work environment, flourishing student life programs, and beautiful campus. Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. For details, visit the following link: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Resources available to support faculty can be found here: https://agriculture.auburn.edu/about/faculty-staff-resources/facultysupport/.

The Community: Auburn is recognized as one of America’s best small towns with a moderate climate and easy access to major cities, beaches, and mountains. The city is situated along the rapidly developing I-85 Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama corridor. The combined Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Statistical Area boasts a growing population of over 60,000. The City of Auburn grew 43% in the past decade and is known for an excellent public school system and a local medical center acknowledged as among the best in the region. The City of Auburn website has information on the community and services that can be accessed at: https://www.auburnalabama.org/

The minimum qualification is an earned Ph.D. in biological sciences, plant pathology, microbiology, microbial ecology/evolution, or related field at the time employment begins. Relevant experience in bioinformatics, molecular genetics and/or genomics and experience in basic microbiology is required. Selected candidates must have effective oral and written communication skills and strong independent and collaborative project leadership skills.

The individual selected for the position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States by the start date and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.

Desired qualifications include demonstrating through scientific journal publications the ability to apply ecological theory to metagenomic data and gene manipulation experiments.

Applicants must complete an on-line application process at the following link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/46199
and attach the following: 1) Cover letter stating research interests and career goals, 2) current curriculum vita, and 3) copies of all academic transcripts. When prompted, please provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. The desired start date is January 13, 2025. Active review of applications will begin July 8, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be $50,000 annually. For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Zachary Noel at zan0002@auburn.edu

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

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