The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

The Department of Microbiology within the College of Agriculture and Life has eleven active research laboratories.  It serves as the home department for the Graduate Field of Microbiology (with more than 40 affiliated faculty members) and provides a center of expertise for numerous aspects of microbial biology.  The faculty and staff offer numerous advanced courses for both undergraduate and graduate level students.  Research within the Department is focused on Prokaryotic Biology and Environmental Microbiology and includes specific expertise in molecular genetics, gene regulation, genomics, microbial cell biology, bioremediation, symbionts, pathogens, and ecosystems.

We seek to hire a Postdoctoral Associate to work in the research laboratory of Dr. Esther Angert in the Department of Microbiology, Cornell University. This National Science Foundation-funded postdoctoral research associate position is currently available for a highly motivated individual with expertise in bioinformatics as it relates to microbial ecology and biogeochemical processes. The successful candidate will leverage data and assemblies generated from a microbial community sequencing project and integrate these metagenomic data with information collected from a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer that has been studied for more than 25 years. Goals of the project include (i) heuristic discovery of field-site-specific interactions between microbial populations and geochemistry and (ii) defining the limits, frontiers, and pragmatic relationships between real-world geochemical data and new omics-based procedures to characterize microbial communities whose metabolism determines geochemical processes. Opportunities for collaborative projects whose approaches and goals align with omics-augmented biogeochemistry are also possible.

The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to active projects involving the analysis of metagenomic, proteomic and biogeochemical data derived from a contaminated aquifer in New York State.  The Postdoctoral Associate will be responsible for archiving assemblies, as well as submission of data to publically available databases. Experience with common bioinformatics methods, tools, websites and data resources is required, in particular high-throughput data analysis tools and techniques including assembly, statistical analysis, metagenomic analysis and genome analysis.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbial Genomics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience and a publication record in microbial ecology, computational biology or bioinformatics approaches to characterizing bacterial communities/populations.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are essential as are experience with common bioinformatics methods, tools, websites and data resources.

This is a full-time position and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs On-line (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/11524). 

Qualified applicants should submit (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a letter of interest providing, including a brief description of how this position relates to their career plans, and (3) the names and contact information of three references.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. For more information, please contact Patti Brenchley at pmh1@cornell.edu. 

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.