Postdoctoral Position in Bacteriophage Ecology & Geomicrobiology

The University of Miami is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences. This opportunity is part of a NASA-funded research project exploring the role of bacteriophages in shaping microbial communities and influencing the production of geochemical biomarkers by green and purple sulfur bacteria.

The position is based in Coral Gables and offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers interested in phage biology, microbial ecology, metagenomics, and geomicrobiology. The research, led by the Silveira Lab, investigates how bacteriophages influence the production of geochemical biomarkers by green and purple sulfur bacteria.

These microbial biomarkers are valuable tools for reconstructing ancient anoxic ocean environments and may even contribute to the future search for extraterrestrial life by identifying biosignatures on other planets. The successful candidate will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of microbiologists, geochemists, and bioinformaticians from:

• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Lausanne

This collaborative project combines microbiology, genomics, ecology, geochemistry, and astrobiology.

The Postdoctoral Associate will:

• Conduct research on bacteriophage-host interactions in microbial communities.
• Perform metagenomic and bioinformatic analyses.
• Design and execute laboratory and field experiments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
• Analyze microbial genomic datasets using statistical approaches.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research at scientific conferences.
• Participate in extended fieldwork at environmental sampling sites.

Applicants should possess:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Ecology, Genomics, or a related field.
• Strong background in microbial ecology and genomics.
• Experience with metagenomic data analysis.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis methods.
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Experience in the following areas is considered advantageous:

• Green and purple sulfur bacteria
• Field mesocosm experiments
• Geomicrobiology
• Environmental microbiology

Candidates should also be willing to undertake fieldwork lasting from two weeks to two months in potentially challenging outdoor environments.

Applicants should submit:

• Cover Letter explaining their interest in the position and research fit.
• Contact information for three professional references.