BMB Postdoctoral Scholar - Coral Probiotics

University of North Carolina Wilmington, United States

Updated: 4 days ago
Location: Wilmington, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: 25 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Details


Vacancy Number PD-0013
Working Title BMB Postdoctoral Scholar - Coral Probiotics
Position Number PD0015
Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Department of Biology and Marine Biology under the College of Science and Engineering at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to begin June 2024. A UNCW postdoctoral scholar is a 12-month full-time temporary non-faculty position.
The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral Coral Probiotics position will focus on coordinating the project and directly working on probiotic isolation, testing, and validation.
UNCW postdoctoral scholars gain important training and research experience through their relationship with the university in ways that support and fulfill the research, scholarship, and teaching missions of the institution. The postdoctoral scholar will provide oversight, in conjunction with the principal investigator, of the funded research projects and personnel, project management, assistance in development and writing of proposals and manuscripts, data acquisition and comprehensive data analysis.
The UNCW postdoctoral scholar will:
  • Have a primary faculty mentor.
  • Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in coordination with their faculty mentor.
  • Participate in professional development programming offered through the University.
Appointment Description
This is a 1-year term appointment with opportunity for renewal year to year, contingent on the availability of funding through December 2026.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
  • Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in microbiology, molecular biology, or closely related field, conferred before the appointment start date but no more than five (5) years prior to the appointment start date.
  • Extensive experience working in a microbiology laboratory and knowledge of common protocols, aseptic technique, and safety measures.
  • High level of proficiency in purifying and culturing various microorganisms.
  • Experience with organizing and processing large datasets and/or bacterial cryostocks/libraries.
  • Technical experience with DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and identification of microbes using Sanger sequencing.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
  • Prior experience handing or working with corals and marine microorganisms.
  • Prior experience working with various biochemical assays for microorganisms.
  • Prior experience with lab automation or working with computer-controlled laboratory equipment.
  • Prior experience with microbial genome assembly and/or microbiome community analysis.
  • Able to manage project coordination between laboratories and laboratory personnel.
  • Proficiency in writing primary research articles, and reports, and giving presentations in English.
Required Certifications or Licensure
No Required Certifications or Licensure
Dept/School Biology & Marine Biology - 32310
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Department of Biology and Marine Biology supports both an excellent undergraduate program, with an emphasis on hands-on involvement of undergraduates in research and other activities, as well as nationally recognized Master’s Programs. We also have a Ph.D. in Integrative, Comparative and Marine Biology that takes advantage of the wide array of local coastal and offshore habitats and the facilities of the Center for Marine Science on the Myrtle Grove Campus, located 6 miles from the main university campus. We have an active faculty involved in a variety of research interests including molecular biology and systematics, coastal and estuarine ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and environmental biology.
Modern Biology increasingly impacts the non-scientific world, facilitating solutions to technological, environmental, ethical, philosophical and political issues that are important to society. The Department of Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW strives to train the next generation of scientists and educators, and prepare all students to make sound judgments based on a solid foundation of biological principles. The department provides an environment in which excellent teaching coupled with diverse research opportunities encourage our faculty to become leaders in their discipline.
Our teaching emphasizes current theories of biological science, knowledge of basic investigative skills, and methods of critical inquiry. Our research programs, in both applied and basic aspects of discovery, value investigations of biological phenomena that impact the quality of life in our region and beyond. We lend our professional expertise to all endeavors that work for the improvement of the human condition and our environment. We believe the importance of modern biological principles must transcend the university classroom and enable our students to contribute as global citizens.
In the pursuit of excellence, our department actively fosters, encourages, and promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance and open-mindedness among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Diversity is an educational benefit that enhances the academic experience, and fosters a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives. Diversity includes, but is not limited to race, sex, age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran’s status, gender, educational disadvantage, socio-economic circumstances, language, and history of overcoming adversity.
The department has an excellent record of faculty development and mentorship, and is committed to assisting new faculty to succeed. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community (see https://uncw.edu/bio/sand_home.html). Graduate curricula in the Department include M.S. programs in Biology and Marine Biology, as well as a Ph.D. program in Integrative, Comparative, and Marine Biology. Excellent support for research is provided in departmental facilities on campus and at the nearby Myrtle Grove Campus located on the Intracoastal Waterway. Unique advantages at UNCW include the Center for Marine Science, Shellfish Research Hatchery, Richard Dillaman Microscopy Facility, Marine Biotechnology Center, Oriole Burevitch Large Animal Necropsy Facility, and UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program. The Department also has an excellent record of faculty development, mentorship, and a commitment to assisting new faculty towards success.
College College of Science and Engineering - 323 College
College/School Information
The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) offers a variety of programs leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied coastal and ocean sciences; pharmaceutical chemistry; integrative, comparative, and marine biology; and psychology degrees. The college also offers combined bachelor’s/master’s degree programs in information technology/computer science and information systems, computer science/computer science and information systems, and B.S. in mathematics/M.S. in mathematics. To implement its academic programs, the college provides instruction and research opportunities in the natural and behavioral sciences, information technology, data science, computer science, mathematics, pre-engineering, and engineering. The eight academic departments in the college provide courses of study in each of these areas, in addition to interdepartmental programs in information technology, cybersecurity, and digital arts. A 2+2 in engineering; and 3+2 programs in computer science and electrical or computer engineering; and physics and electrical engineering, are also offered in the college. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs in environmental studies, applied statistics, and geographic information science are also available.
CSE students work with distinguished faculty and scientists, use cutting edge technology, and conduct impactful research. Faculty-directed research projects empower CSE students to apply what they learn inside the classroom and laboratory to real-world situations and prepares them for a variety of careers or advanced study.
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and a community rich in diversity, inclusion and global perspectives.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
EEO Statement
At the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), our culture reflects our values of inclusion, diversity, globalization, ethics and integrity and innovation and we are committed to providing equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs. UNCW believes that embracing the unique contributions of our faculty, staff and students is critical to our success and paramount in being recognized for our global mindset.
Eligibility for Employment
Please note, this is a postdoctoral position. The length of the assignment will be based on department need with the possibility of continuation. Employees in postdoc positions are considered temporary positions (non-permanent state employees) but do qualify for postdoctoral medical insurance and paid leave, unlike other temporary employees at the university. More information about postdoctoral employees can be found in the Postdoc Handbook.
To receive consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application before you apply for this position. For more info/to apply visit the applicant portal . Applications must be submitted through the online application system by 11:59pm EST of the posting close date to be considered.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Special Notes to Applicants
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on April 25, 2024, the job closing date. Applicants are required to submit the following items in Adobe PDF or MS Word format online at https://jobs.uncw.edu/ :
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter
  • Contact information for a minimum of three professional references. References will be requested during the screening process.


    • If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the Other category.
    Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Blake Ushijima ([email protected]).
    Requested Job Posting Date 04/04/2024
    Posting Close Date 04/25/2024
    Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/30282