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Postdoctoral Fellow- Biological Sciences (Microbiome Functional Redundancy)

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Clemson University: College of Science: Biological Sciences
Postdoctoral Fellow- Biological Sciences (Microbiome Functional Redundancy)

Location: Clemson, SC

The Campbell lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on an NSF newly funded interdisciplinary project investigating theory and mechanisms of microbiome functional redundancy in relation to substrate complexity in a variety of ecosystems (aquatic, soil, host-associated). Applicants with a desire to drive research projects combining ecological theory with bioinformatics of large data sets (metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, metabolomes) and that have experience in bioinformatics and statistical analyses are encouraged to apply.

The objectives of this five-year project are to investigate the functional redundancy of microbes in a variety of ecosystems that range in habitat complexity by using experimental research, theoretical modelling, and novel computational methods. The goals of this project are to develop rules that govern the relationship between complexity, functional redundancy, and ecosystem health. Besides working with Dr. Barbara Campbell, the postdoctoral fellow will have extensive opportunities to also work with four other faculty at Clemson involved in this interdisciplinary project, including Feng Luo (School of Computing, deep-learning), Sharon Bewick (Biological Sciences, ecological modeling), Anna Seekatz (Biological Sciences, gut microbiomes/metabolomics) and Vidya Suseela (Plant and Environmental Sciences, rhizosphere metabolomics). Ideally, the candidate has experience in a related research area (microbial ecology or bioinformatics) with enthusiasm for learning and using complementary methods to conduct research. Importantly, the individual should have excellent interpersonal skills, solid organizational / management abilities, and the ability to conduct research projects independently.

Clemson University is in the beautiful upstate area of South Carolina, close to mountains, lakes, and larger urban areas. The university has excellent facilities to conduct the advertised research. We have access to the Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (CUGBF) and the Greenwood Genetics Center, both of which offer excellent training platforms to conduct research involving microbiomes. In addition, Clemson has a large high-performance computing cluster. Dedicated nodes and storage specifically for this project are housed in the cluster. The PI and the university are committed to providing mentorship that facilitates diverse career options going forward. This position is mainly focused on research; however, there may be opportunities for instruction of undergraduate education.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- conduct research relevant to the project and lab's mission,
- collaborate with team members,
- provide mentorship, oversight, and instruction to the project and related staff (undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, faculty),
- effectively communicate research results to the lab, university, and scientific field.


QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements:
- PhD in a relevant field of study,
- peer-reviewed publications,
- enthusiasm and drive to advance specified research areas.

Preferred:
- Broad knowledge and experience in programming and bioinformatic data analysis (preferably with microbes)
- Solid understanding of microbiology or the microbiome as it relates to ecological theory
- Ability to multitask and shift project priorities as necessary
- Ability to work within a team or independently
- Ability to learn new methods related to the research project
- Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively meet project commitments and deliverables
- Strong project management skills


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest in the position, a CV, and three references who can be contacted to http://apply.interfolio.com/78655. For full consideration, please apply by October 15, 2020. The job will remain posted until filled.



Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.

PI123554443

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Working at Clemson University

Clemson is a dynamic research university located in Upstate South Carolina at the center of the booming I-85 corridor between Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga. One of the nation’s most selective public research universities according to U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Clemson University is the school of choice among top students in South Carolina and is increasingly competitive for the best students in the region and the nation. More than 17,100 students select from 70 undergraduate and 100 graduate degree programs through five academic colleges: Agriculture, Forestry and Life SciencesArchitecture, Arts and HumanitiesBusiness and Behavioral ScienceEngineering and Science; and Health, Education and Human Development.

Clemson’s transformation into a leading research institution — currently attracting in excess of $140 million in externally funded research and sponsored program awards per year — is based upon an academic plan that identifies eight emphasis areas in which the University has opportunities to increase education and research, to align with South Carolina’s economic development needs and to draw upon faculty strengths. Emphasis areas include automotive and transportation technology, advanced materials, biotechnology and biomedical sciences, leadership and entrepreneurship, sustainable environment, information and communication technology, family and community living, and general education.

Major economic development initiatives that have emerged from the academic plan include the Clemson International Center for Automotive Research — a 250-acre campus in Greenville, which has generated more than $225 million in public and private commitments in just four years; an advanced materials initiative at the Clemson Research Park, which includes a new LEED Silver-certified facility; and the South Carolina Health Sciences Collaborative — an initiative of the state’s three research universities and major health-care systems.

As the state’s land-grant university, Clemson reaches out to citizens, communities and businesses all over South Carolina. The Public Service Activities division includes the county-based Cooperative Extension Service, five off-campus research and education centers through the Clemson University Experiment Station and critical regulatory responsibilities for plant and animal health.

The University boasts a 1,400-acre campus on the shores of Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surrounding the campus are 18,000 acres of University farms and woodlands devoted to research. A warm campus environment, great weather and recreational activities offered by proximity to both the natural surroundings and large cities are part of the Clemson Experience.

 

Points of interest at Clemson include the following:

The Clemson Conference Center and Inn is a state-of-the-art facility for symposia, meetings, seminars and special events. The complex includes the Madren Continuing Education and Conference Center, the Walker Golf Course and the Martin Inn.

The South Carolina Botanical Garden, a 295-acre public garden, features several thousand varieties of ornamental plants and a unique collection of nature-based sculptures.

The Robert Howell Brooks Center for the Performing Arts brings an exciting array of concert, theater, dance, comedy and other live performances to the community.

The Robert Campbell Geology Museum at the Botanical Garden displays meteorites, minerals, dinosaur fossils and the largest faceted-stone collection in the Southeast.

The T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena is a showplace for livestock activities in the state and has hosted horse and livestock shows, rodeos, sales, 4-H activities, educational programs, and industrial and agricultural exhibitions.

Fort Hill, the home of John C. Calhoun and later of his son-in-law, University founder Thomas Green Clemson, is a registered National Historic Landmark located in the center of campus.

The Class of 1944 Visitors Center is the front door to Clemson — a friendly place to get tours, information, assistance and an introduction to this beautiful, historic university and community.

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