Postdoctoral Scholar in Bioinformatics University of California Santa Barbara Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies

Recruitment Period

The ICB is actively seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research in Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology. Applications are invited to engage in research using bioinformatic approaches to study the evolution of acquired metabolism. The postdoc will apply methods such as transcriptomics and proteomics to compare extant lineages of chloroplast-retaining microbes to identify evolved traits allowing for increased reliance on these organelles.

The project seeks to test the hypothesis that the retention of functional prey chloroplasts (“kleptoplasty”) may have given rise to modern-day eukaryotic phytoplankton. In particular, we use members of the marine ciliate genus Mesodinium to represent a natural gradient between heterotrophy (no photosynthetic capacity) to highly photosynthetic (gaining the majority of energy and carbon from stolen chloroplasts). We use a combination of empirical and modeling approaches to identify the mechanisms leading to plastid retention, link these mechanisms to ecological consequences (e.g., for growth and reproduction), and ask what selection pressures may favor these adaptations. The postdoctoral scholar will primarily be involved in using bioinformatics tools to identify key mechanistic differences between the lineages, especially in metabolic pathways linked with downregulation of heterotrophy and increased reliance on photosynthesis.

The postdoctoral scholar's activities may include, but will not be limited to, (1) development of bioinformatics pipelines for data analysis, (2) application of these pipelines to datasets generated from laboratory experiments, and (3) involvement in laboratory experiments. Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are intended to provide a full-time training program of advanced academic preparation and research training under the mentorship of a faculty member.

The Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) is an Army-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The ICB is a uniquely interdisciplinary research alliance led by the University of California, Santa Barbara, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology and partners from the Army and industry. ICB research is driven by more than 50 premier faculty working together with graduate students project scientist, specialists, and professional researchers as interdisciplinary teams of biologists,chemists, physicists, psychologists, physicians, social scientists, and engineers. These teams develop biologically inspired, revolutionary technological innovations in systems and synthetic biology, materials science and engineering, biotechnology tools and cognitive neuroscience.

The appointee will be based at UCSB in the laboratory of Dr. Holly Moeller, and will collaborate with Dr. Matthew Johnson (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and Dr. Erica Lasek-Nesselquist (Wadsworth Center, New York Department of Health). The project includes funds for travel for collaborative visits to these other institutions.

Initial appointment will be made for one year. Reappointments are made based on continuation of funding and performance.

Basic Qualifications: At the time of application, candidates must hold a Ph.D. or be enrolled in a Ph.D. or equivalent international program.

Additional Qualifications: PhD in biology, biological oceanography, chemistry, computer science, or closely related disciplines by time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Prior experience with developing bioinformatics pipelines and analyzing such as data (transciptomics, proteomics)
-Experience analysing datasets from non-model organisms.
-Programming experience.
-Research experience in one or more of the following areas: photophysiology, cell
physiology, marine microbial ecology, or closely related disciplines.
-A track record of talks and peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career
stage.

To apply please go to the following link:
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01760

Applicants should submit :
-CV
-Statement of experience
-Two relevant publications
-Three references

For primary consideration, apply on or before March 10, 2020. The Committee will start reviewing applications March 11, 2020. The position will remain open until filled.

The position start date is negotiable, and can be as early as March 22 2020, but no later than 31 December 2020. Applicants must have completed their PhD in order to start this position.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of experience - submit 1-2 pages statement of research experience and interets realated to the project, PDF
• Publication #1
• Publication #2

• 3-6 required (contact information only)