Postdoctoral Researcher - Lyme Disease Bacteriophage Biology

Postdoctoral Researcher - Lyme Disease Bacteriophage Biology

The Secor Lab seeks a postdoctoral researcher to investigate bacteriophage biology in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The successful candidate will help define how phiBB-1 controls horizontal gene transfer and bacterial adaptation across the tick-mouse infectious cycle.

The Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Postdoctoral Researcher in the Secor Laboratory. The Secor Lab studies how bacteria, bacteriophages, and animal hosts interact to shape microbial evolution and disease. This NIH/NIAID-funded project centers on the temperate bacteriophage phiBB-1, the cp32 prophage family, and phage-mediated movement of antigen and other genetic material among

B. burgdorferi strains. The project combines mechanistic phage biology with the natural tick-vector and vertebrate-host cycle. A candidate will develop a research focus that builds on their strengths; prior Lyme disease or tick experience is welcome but is not required.

Design and conduct independent and collaborative studies of phiBB-1/cp32 biology, phage replication, lysis-lysogeny regulation, transduction, and horizontal gene transfer. Investigate how phage activity and genetic exchange influence

B. burgdorferi across tick and mammalian host environments. Use and/or develop approaches in bacterial or phage genetics, molecular biology, vector biology, animal infection, microscopy, genomics, transcriptomics, biochemistry, or computational analysis, depending on expertise. Analyze data, maintain reproducible records, present findings, and lead or contribute to publications and funding applications. Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to mentoring and a safe, constructive research environment.

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree completed by the start date in microbiology, bacteriology, molecular biology, genetics or genomics, vector biology or entomology, infectious disease, immunology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or computational biology, or a closely related field. Research experience in at least one relevant area: bacterial or phage genetics; molecular biology or biochemistry; arthropod vector biology; animal models of infection; microscopy; genomics or transcriptomics;

or quantitative/computational biology. Evidence of research productivity through a peer-reviewed publication, preprint, or substantive dissertation research. Experience analyzing research data and documenting experimental or computational methods and results.

Experience in one or more of the following: bacteriophages or prophages; transduction or horizontal gene transfer;
Borrelia or other spirochetes; ticks or other arthropod vectors; mouse models of infection; bacterial genetic manipulation; fluorescence or electron microscopy; genome sequencing, RNA-seq, or bioinformatics. Experience developing, optimizing, or troubleshooting complex experimental or computational workflows. Experience working in a collaborative or multidisciplinary research setting. Experience mentoring or training students or research staff.

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and the ability to connect questions across microbiology, phage biology, vector biology, and host-pathogen biology. Plan and advance research with appropriate independence while seeking input when useful. Communicate clearly, collaborate constructively, and contribute to an inclusive and supportive research environment. Approach experimental challenges with persistence, sound judgment, and attention to rigor and reproducibility.

The position requires completion of applicable biosafety, animal-use, and arthropod-containment training. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Work may include extended periods at a laboratory bench or computer; use of standard laboratory instruments and personal protective equipment; fine motor tasks; movement of materials weighing up to 25 pounds; and occasional work in animal or arthropod research spaces. Some experiments may require occasional evening or weekend time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Screening of applications will begin on September 15, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual…