Skip to main content

This job has expired

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Employer
Smith College
Location
Smith College

View more

Faculty Jobs
Professional Fields, Architecture & Urban Planning
Position Type
Postdoc
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Postdoctoral Positions: Bioinformatic and single-cell ‘omics approaches for studying genome evolution in microbial eukaryotes

The Department of Biological Sciences at Smith College invites applications for two benefits eligible postdoctoral positions, focusing on genome evolution in microeukaryotes (aka protists), to begin on or after August 1, 2022. The bulk of the work will focus on bioinformatic analyses of data generated in the lab from foraminifera and ciliates. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extending for additional years. The position will be housed in Professor Laura Katz's laboratory in the Department of Biological Sciences (https://www.science.smith.edu/katzlab/).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The aims of this project include characterizing genome architecture in poorly-studied clades and reconstructing the evolutionary history of both genes and species (i.e. species delimitation).

Research in the Katz lab aims to elucidate principles of the evolution in eukaryotes through analyses of microbial groups, and to assess how these principles apply (or fail to apply) to other organisms. Currently we focus on three interrelated areas: (1) characterizing evolutionary relationships among eukaryotes using single-cell ‘omics’ and phylogenomics; (2) exploring the evolution of germline vs somatic genomes; and (3) describing the phylogeography and biodiversity of protists in local environments (bogs, fens, coastal habitats).

OTHER FUNCTIONS

All employees are expected to take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Minimum qualifications include a PhD in a relevant field, knowledge of the diversity of eukaryotic microorganisms, and familiarity with basic bioinformatic tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will: 1) be a productive researcher with interests in both biodiversity and phylogenomics of microorganisms; 2) have experience identifying and isolating diverse protists; 3) have knowledge of bioinformatic and/or phylogenetic tools; 4) have excellent communication and interpersonal skills; and 5) be interested in collaborating with graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.

SKILLS

Required skills include basic microscopy (light and ideally fluorescence), bioinformatics (i.e. familiarity with existing phylogenomics tools and basic Python language) and the ability to produce peer-reviewed publications in a timely manner.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please contact Laura Katz (lkatz@smith.edu) with any questions.

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Please attach/upload a current resume and cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position.

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Organization

Working at Smith College 

Founded in 1871, Smith College is the nation's largest liberal arts college for women. The reputation of the College as one of the finest in the country holds strong because of the dedicated work of our staff, faculty, and administration. We are a diverse group bringing to our community different talents, perspectives, and experiences. Our strength arises from this diversity and is sustained by a community value of providing an outstanding educational environment for our nearly 2,700 students. Smith College is located in Northampton, a lively town of 30,000 in the Connecticut River valley of western Massachusetts.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert