A postdoctoral fellowship in microbial ecology is available at the University of Michigan Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The Denef lab (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~vdenef/index.htm) integrates population and community omics approaches with process-level measurements to gather an improved understanding of microbial population dynamics and community functioning within ecosystem context.

The post-doctoral fellow will focus on impacts of invasive species (particularly dreissenid mussels, which have decimated Lake Michigan phytoplankton communities) on the Lake Michigan microbial food web and the implications for overall food web functioning. This study is in collaboration with the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, which maintains a long term transect study focused on the higher trophic levels of the food web. The postdoctoral fellow will take the lead in analysis of metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data generated through the Joint Genome Institute Community Sequencing Program for spatiotemporal cruises performed in 2013, and will participate in the 2015 sampling campaign, which will allow for performing sampling specific to the fellow’s research needs. In addition to these duties, the fellow will be responsible for data management, detailed documentation, and manuscript preparation.

The ideal candidate will have a documented strong background in microbiology, ecology, bioinformatics, and statistics, proficiency with working with computer clusters in a Unix environment, experience with metagenomic/metatranscriptomic data analysis including genome assembly from high-throughput sequencing data, and a strong publication record. We are looking for a creative, independent scientist who can work and communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment.  A PhD and research experience in an appropriate discipline are required.  The initial appointment will be for a one-year period with the possibility of extension pending availability of funds, up to three years based upon performance. To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references via email to vdenef@umich.edu.  The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.