What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Investigator position at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution?
Job Summary :
We are looking to hire a highly motivated and independent scientist for a Postdoctoral Investigator position in the Pachiadaki laboratory of the Biology department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The postdoctoral position is part of projects funded by the NSF and the Simons Foundation to understand microbial ecology and evolution in oxygen-depleted marine environments. Oxygen depletion alters cycling of major elements (especially carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur) as well as food web functionality. Our lab participates in an international effort to address major gaps in our knowledge of oxygen depleted marine environments by applying in situ approaches to measure rates and molecular signatures of several key microbial processes (chemoautotrophy, denitrification, anammox, sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation) central to marine biogeochemical cycling. The postdoctoral investigator will be integrating biogeochemical and genetic information to : 1) refine connections between microorganisms and the processes they facilitate, 2) improve conceptual and numerical models that describe metabolic regulation, and 3) constrain the environmental and biological limit(s) of aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms. The postdoctoral investigator will be given the opportunity to develop an independent line of research within the broad umbrella of the labs interests.
The Institution has a top-rated postdoctoral program (www.whoi.edu / postdoctoral / ) that supports a dynamic postdoctoral community with formal mentoring and career guidance programs. While the primary focus of the work will be in research, the Postdoctoral Investigator will have the opportunity to participate in educational and outreach activities associated with the project.
Application materials should be submitted online to the appropriate fields in the application with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests and career goals, up to three relevant publications, and names and contact information for at least three references (to be uploaded as a separate cover letter). Position is available immediately. Preference will be given to applications received by July 10th, 2024 but applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities :
- The position will entail work with microbial genetics, informatics and data analysis, and potentially anaerobic incubations
- Developing wet-lab pipelines for single cell sorting and long read sequencing
- Developing bioinformatic pipelines (together with the labs bioinformatician) for data projects; Training students and staff in analysis methods when applicable
Education & Experience :
REQUIRED :
Sea-going experience
Special Requirements :
Physical Requirements :
Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to occasional / prolonged standing / walking. This position may be exposed to laboratory chemicals and solvents. Physical duties are subject to change.
Sea Duty :
May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include : confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed mealtimes and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.
