Postdoctoral Associate in Microbiome Research (65267)

A postdoctoral position in the area of microbiome research, marine microbiology, and
microbial chemistry is available in the laboratory of Prof. Sandra Loesgen at the University of
Florida, the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, in St. Augustine, Florida.

This position is funded by the National Science Foundation via grant EF-2025476 “Chemistry of cnidarian
symbiosis: microbiomes role in association, morphogenesis, and protection”.
This project will bring together a multidisciplinary team: the advisor, Loesgen is a trained organic chemist
with expertise in microbial genetics and metabolites, Co-PI Virginia Weis (Oregon State University) is a coral
biologist with career-long experience studying symbiosis, and Co-PI Mark Martindale (UF Whitney Lab) a
developmental biologist and expert in cnidarian physiology, to examine the intricate microbial communities
and their metabolic influence on Cnidarian symbiosis.
The postdoctoral fellow will lead the microbiome exploration in two Cnidarian model systems, the sea
anemone Exaiptasia and the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea. In particular, expertise in the area of
metagenomics and assessment of community populations is required. Research experience in genome
sequencing, gene expression analysis, microbiology, and bioinformatics is a plus. The Loesgen Lab employs
a multidisciplinary approach to microbial chemistry with interest in small molecules that regulate intra- and
inter-species behavior.

The Whitney Lab is a diverse, inclusive, and multidisciplinary research institute. Mentoring and training of
scholars is of high priority. The University of Florida, ranked top 5 in the US, offers many career development
opportunities for postdoctoral scholars.

The position is available January 1st 2021 or later and will be initially offered for one year with the possibility
of extension.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead the microbiome exploration in two Cnidarian model systems, the sea anemone Exaiptasia and the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea. In particular, expertise in the area of metagenomics and assessment of community populations is required. Research experience in genome sequencing, gene expression analysis, microbiology, and bioinformatics is a plus.

Thus, a Ph.D. with research experience in microbiology, chemical ecology, natural products chemistry or a related field is suitable.

Interested individuals should send a CV, a letter describing their research experiences and
interests, and the names and email addresses of 3 references to Dr. Sandra Loesgen by e-mail
(sandra.loesgen@whitney.ufl.edu). The Loesgen Lab is on twitter @LoesgenLab, and online at
www.loesgenlab.org.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education. The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.