[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral researcher positions in marine mixotrophy at UC Santa Barbara

[Holly Moeller]

Dear Colleagues,

I am recruiting 1 to 2 postdoctoral researchers to join our group at the
University of California, Santa Barbara. These individuals would conduct
research on marine microbial mixotrophs, and could work on one of a variety
of projects ranging from understanding the evolutionary incorporation of
chloroplasts to the adaptive responses of mixotrophs to warming ocean
temperatures. You can read more about these projects on our website:
https://moellerlab.org/

Interested researchers should apply by April 15 for first consideration.
The start date is flexible, but must be before 31 December of this year.

Job ad and application link (full text pasted below):
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02440

Thank you!
Holly V. Moeller
Assistant Professor, Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara | Chumash Nation Territory
Email: holly.moeller at lifesci.ucsb.edu
Website: https://moellerlab.org/ <https://moellerecology.wordpress.com/>
Pronouns: she/her



Post-Doctoral ( 1 -2 ) Position(s) in Marine Mixotrophy
Job #JPF02440
Earth Research Institute / Office of Research / UC Santa Barbara

POSITION OVERVIEW
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Salary range: The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay
based on prior months of postdoc service (both domestic and international)
before the start of appointment. See Table 23 and 23N (Hourly) for
experience level minimums. A reasonable estimated full-time rate for this
position at 100% time is $60,000- $71,952. Salaries that are higher than
the published system-wide salary at the designated experience level
minimum, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.
Percent time: 100% time
Anticipated start: The position start date is negotiable, and can be as
early as 1 June 2023, but no later than 31 December 2023
Position duration: The duration of the initial appointment is 24 months

APPLICATION WINDOW
Open date: March 2, 2023

Next review date: Saturday, Apr 15, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those
received after the review date will only be considered if the position has
not yet been filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Applications are invited for (a) postdoctoral scholar(s) to engage in
research on marine mixotrophic protists. The postdoc(s) will have the
opportunity to work on one of a number of active research projects in the
Moeller Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara, using either or
a combination of laboratory experiments, bioinformatics, and
(calculus-based) ecological models. Projects include but are not limited to
(1) predicting the evolutionary response of constitutive mixotrophs to
warming ocean temperatures, and (2) identifying key evolutionary
transitions as cells incorporate functional chloroplasts. We expect to hire
up to two individuals based on the pool of qualified applicants. The
appointee(s) may work on one or both projects, depending upon interests and
past experience. We are especially interested in recruiting individuals
with experience in cell biology, bioinformatics, and/or ecological modeling.

The first project tests the role of mixotrophs in a potential climate
feedback loop that may accelerate carbon emissions from the surface ocean.
In particular, we test the hypothesis that mixotrophs will become more
heterotrophic under warmer ocean conditions, and ask whether evolution
(e.g., adaptation to warmer ocean conditions) may modulate this response.
The postdoctoral scholar(s) will be involved in both experimental and
modeling components of the project, including the design and implementation
of evolution experiments, measurement of transcriptional and physiological
responses, development of new optimization models, and incorporation of
results into ecosystem models.

The second project asks how protists incorporate functional chloroplasts
into their metabolic repertoire. We use the Mesodinium genus of ciliates to
understand key evolutionary transitions from heterotrophy to phototrophy.
RNA sequencing data indicate a close integration of prey organelles into
the ciliate host’s metabolism, but how this integration is achieved at the
cellular level remains unclear. The postdoctoral scholar(s) would carry out
laboratory studies to identify molecular mechanisms of integration,
including through the development of new techniques to identify and track
cellular components. The postdoctoral scholar(s) may also use bioinformatic
and/or ecological modeling approaches to explore evolutionary questions.

The postdoctoral scholar(s) will also be encouraged to develop independent
but related lines of inquiry and to take advantage of professional
development opportunities available at UC Santa Barbara and through
collaborations, meeting attendance, etc.

The appointee(s) will be based at UCSB in the laboratory of Dr. Holly
Moeller, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Charlotte
Laufkötter (University of Bern), Dr. Stephanie Dutkiewicz (MIT), and Dr.
Matthew Johnson (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution). The project
includes funds for travel for collaborative visits to these other
institutions.

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

QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Applicants must hold a PhD or be enrolled in a PhD-granting program or
international equivalent at time of application.”

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
PhD in biological engineering, biology, cell biology, microbial ecology,
mathematical biology, mathematics, oceanography, or closely related
disciplines by time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications
-Prior research experience in one or more of the following areas:
ecological modeling, ocean biogeochemistry, marine microbial ecology, cell
biology, bioinformatics, or closely related disciplines.
-Teaching or mentoring experience, especially with undergraduate scholars.
-Programming experience in statistics, bioinformatics, ecological modeling,
or earth system modeling.
-A track record of talks and peer-reviewed publications appropriate to
career stage.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Statement of Research - A short (1-2 page) statement of research experience
and interests related to the project.

Publications - PDF copies of up to two relevant publications, and the
names, affiliations.

Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)
Please provide the name and email address for 3-5 references in order to
complete your application. The references of the top finalists may be
contacted following the interview process.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02440
Help contact: swalker at ucsb.edu

CAMPUS INFORMATION
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. 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.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the
University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated
Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide
proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable,
submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability,
Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19
diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All
Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent
CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later
than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should
refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination
Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must
also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or
properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline.
Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment.
(Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal,
state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

JOB LOCATION
Santa Barbara, CA
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