[ES_JOBS_NET] Three Positions in Marine Microbial Ecology at University of Southern Mississippi

Wed Aug 1 11:46:23 MDT 2018

The Hamdan Lab in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi is hiring three new positions to support two projects. Both projects address the impact of the built environment in the deep-sea. We are seeking a Research Technician to begin in Fall 2018, and a Postdoctoral Researcher and Graduate Student to begin in Spring 2019.
Details on all three positions are below.
Postdoctoral Research Associate

To apply for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter outlining specific interest in and relevant experience for this position, and names of three references through the USM career site<https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=181>: https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=181

Job Summary
Postdoctoral researcher to support microbiome studies of benthic ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. Work will focus on the built environment in the deep-sea. Individuals with experience with microbiology and biogeochemistry, with specific knowledge and expertise in molecular ecology are encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  *   Engage in a project studying seafloor microbiomes and metagenomes to characterize communities in water, sediment and biofilms.
  *   Develop expertise in ecological theories regarding microbial biogeography and contribute new knowledge and ideas to this area of research.
  *   Develop and apply bioinformatics tools and approaches to identify communities, relevant taxa and associations. Learn and apply machine learning tools to datasets generated during the course of the study in collaboration with project scientists from other institutions.
  *   Participate in planning and executing field work on board USM’s Research Vessel Point Sur, and other oceanographic research vessels.
  *   Contribute significantly to written and oral communication, including the development of peer-reviewed manuscripts, blog posts, outreach through social media, and the public outreach products designed to engage broad audiences in the study of the deep-sea.
  *   Participate in student mentoring, and perform other duties as assigned by the study PI.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in coastal or marine sciences, microbiology, geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry or similar field.  Applicants must also have a publication record that illustrates ability to conduct and communicate independent research as well as experience and proficiency in bioinformatics and statistical analysis.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
·  Proficiency with molecular biological laboratory techniques, general laboratory practice, experimental design, laboratory safety procedures. A high level of computer literacy.
·  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write reports, correspondence and peer-reviewed manuscripts.  Ability to speak effectively before groups. Ability and interest in contributing to outreach activities.
·  Interested candidates should be self-motivated, results driven, able to take a project vision and shape it with scientific experience, and work with a team to support discovery and learning.
Preferred Qualifications
Significant proficiency in bioinformatics and, programming experience.

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 Research Technician
To apply for the position of Research Technician, submit curriculum vitae, cover letter outlining specific interest in and relevant experience for this position, and names of three references through the USM career site<https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=180>: https://usm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=180
Job Summary
The Hamdan Lab in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi seeks a research technician to support microbiome studies of benthic ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. Work will focus on the study of aquatic microbial communities and their interaction with natural and anthropogenic features. Individuals with experience with microbiology, biogeochemistry, and molecular ecology are encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  1.  Engage in projects studying seafloor microorganisms to characterize communities in water, sediment and biofilms.
  2.  Develop expertise in molecular techniques and bioinformatics to support projects.
  3.  Participate in planning and executing field work on board USM’s Research Vessel Point Sur, and other oceanographic research vessels.
  4.  Assist with purchasing, expense tracking, laboratory inventory and organization.
  5.  Participate in training of laboratory staff in laboratory practices, and develop of new analytical procedures in collaboration with PIs, postdocs and students.
  6.  Contribute to written and oral communication through producing graphs and tables to summarize data and the development of reports, grants, and publications. Participate in outreach through social media, and upkeep of the lab website, and perform other duties as assigned by the study PI.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a MS degree in a related field (coastal or marine sciences, microbiology, chemistry, biogeochemistry, biology or other similar field) or a BS degree with relevant laboratory experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
·  Proficiency with standard laboratory techniques, molecular biology, laboratory safety procedures, and computer literacy.
·  Interested candidates should be organized, self-motivated, and able to work with a team to support discovery and learning.
·  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to contribute to reports, correspondence, peer-reviewed manuscripts and outreach.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with molecular biology practices, bioinformatics, statistical analysis and programming.
Graduate Assistant

The Hamdan Lab in the School of Ocean Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi seeks an exceptional student to participate in marine microbial ecology studies. This position will support independent research on benthic ecosystems. The assistantship (stipend, tuition and benefits) will enable a student to participate in discovery driven research on deep-sea historic shipwreck microbiomes. This position will involve molecular biology (DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing), bioinformatics, and environmental microbiology techniques. Interested candidates must be willing to participate in laboratory and field experiments, and be motivated, enthusiastic, responsible and able to work with a team.

Successful applicants will have a BS or MS degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, chemistry or other relevant field. Applicants with experience in molecular biology, biogeochemistry or statistical analysis are encouraged to apply. Students involved in this work will participate in the planning and execution of oceanographic research onboard USM’s research vessel Point Sur. Students are expected to develop manuscripts for peer review, participate in outreach, and present results in written and oral formats. This opportunity will involve collaboration with marine archaeologists and geologists and provide a rich environment for learning about marine microbial ecology.

Interested individuals that are serious about graduate study should contact Dr. Leila Hamdan (leila.hamdan at usm.edu<mailto:leila.hamdan at usm.edu>). Please provide a cover letter outlining specific interests and experience in the study of marine microbial ecology and a curriculum vita. Application for Spring 2019 admission at USM is required. Information on graduate admission requirements can be found here<http://gcrl.usm.edu/coastal_sciences/index.php>. The deadline for Spring 2019 admission is September 1, 2018.

About the University of Southern Mississippi

The Division of Coastal Sciences is a research and graduate education unit within the School of Ocean Science and Engineering<https://www.usm.edu/school-ocean-science-and-technology/about>, offering programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees. The Division is located at the USM Gulf Coast Research Laboratory<http://gcrl.usm.edu/> (Ocean Springs, Mississippi), a marine laboratory featuring comprehensive basic and applied research programs in coastal and marine biological sciences. Research program support includes state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and instrumentation; a fleet of small and large research vessels<http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/research_vessels/>, including the R/V Point Sur<https://www.usm.edu/marine/rv-point-sur>; the GCRL Museum collection; the Center for Fisheries Research and Development<http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/fisheries_center/index.php>; NSF I/UCRC Science Center for Marine Fisheries, and aquaculture facilities including the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center<http://www.usm.edu/gcrl/cmac/index.php>.

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. As one of only 34 institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi. We are among U.S. News & World Report’s most popular universities and recognized by The Princeton Review for our commitment to sustainability. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu<http://www.usm.edu>.

Please see our websites for more information about USM, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, SOSE, and studies in the Hamdan lab: https://hamdanlab.com<https://hamdanlab.com/>, http://gcrl.usm.edu/,  https://www.usm.edu/school-ocean-science-and-technology/about

Leila J. Hamdan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Division of Coastal Sciences
School of Ocean Science and Technology
University of Southern Mississippi
703 East Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: 228-818-8011
Email: leila.hamdan at usm.edu<mailto:leila.hamdan at usm.edu>
Web: www.hamdanlab.com<https://www.hamdanlab.com/>
Twitter and Instagram: @hamdanlab

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