We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (in person or remote) to work on metagenomic approaches to understanding the response of soil microbes to fire. The candidate will join a dynamic and friendly team of soil ecologists within the Department of Soil and Environmental Science, and will be connected with a robust intellectual community of microbial ecologists and computational biologists across the university. The candidate will be co-advised by Dr. Thea Whitman and Dr. Karthik Anantharaman. The available projects include: (1) using stable isotope probing with metagenomic sequencing to assemble MAGs and determine which genes are associated with taxa that take up 13C-labelled pyrogenic (fire-affected) organic matter; (2) using metagenomic sequencing to explore the genes associated with wildfire across a boreal burn severity gradient one and five years post-fire; (3) developing a metagenomics teaching module for an upper-level course in soil microbiology. There will also be the opportunity to collaborate on other projects. Please consider applying if you: have (or will soon have) a PhD in microbiology, bioinformatics, computer science, soil science, or a related field; have previous experience analyzing sequencing data; enjoy coding; and have strong communication skills, motivation, and interest in the subject area.

The position is renewable for at least two years. To apply, please send your cv and a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position to Dr. Thea Whitman at twhitman@wisc.edu. To be certain of consideration, please apply by August 31, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled.

whitmanlab.soils.wisc.edu

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.