Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Details
Position Information

Announcement Number	STAFF - VA - 23041
For questions regarding this position, please contact:	Roland Hatzenpichler at [email protected] .
Classification Title	Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Title	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Brief Position Overview	The Hatzenpichler Environmental Microbiology Lab at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project on the diversity, genomics, physiology, and ultrastructure of Asgard archaea and its implications for eukaryogenesis.
Position Number	4C0369
Department	Chemistry
Division	College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type	Professional
Contract Term	Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA	Exempt
Union Affiliation
FTE	1.0
Benefits Eligible	Eligible
Salary	Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type	LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type	Open

Position Details

General Statement	The Hatzenpichler Environmental Microbiology Lab at Montana State University (Bozeman, MT) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project on the diversity, genomics, physiology, and ultrastructure of Asgard archaea and its implications for eukaryogenesis. This research project is part of an international collaboration between the Hatzenpichler lab and the groups of Brett Baker, Mark Ellisman, and Thijs Ettema. Together, we seek to obtain a comprehensive genetic catalog of Asgard archaea diversity, determine their physiology, and characterize their cellular ultrastructure. To achieve this, we will employ an array of “omics”, physiology, and microscopic approaches. Determining the identity of archaea most closely related to eukaryotes, their physiological interactions, and cellular structure will transform our understanding of eukaryogenesis. The postdoc will use a combination of cutting-edge next-generation physiology and correlative microscopy approaches targeted at Asgard archaea physiology and cell-cell (metabolic and physical) interactions. Approaches to be employed include stable isotope probing, substrate analog probing, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, Raman micro-spectroscopy, Raman-activated cell sorting, different in situ visualization techniques, and targeted cultivation. The postdoc’s main objective will be to experimentally test genomic predictions on Asgard archaea physiology and their interactions using cultivation-independent, single cell resolving approaches. Metagenome-assembled genomes of Asgard archaea obtained from our main target site and Asgard-targeted FISH probes are already available, and cell extraction protocols have been established.
Duties and Responsibilities	Use a combination of cutting-edge next-generation physiology and correlative microscopy approaches targeted at Asgard archaea physiology and cell-cell (metabolic and physical) interactions. Approaches to be employed include stable isotope probing, substrate analog probing, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, Raman micro-spectroscopy, Raman-activated cell sorting, different in situ visualization techniques, and targeted cultivation.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Ph.D. at the time of starting the position and a publication record in environmental microbiology, microbial physiology, molecular ecology, biochemistry, biogeochemistry, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills	Experience with FISH (regular, DOPE, CARD, and/or HCR FISH) and anaerobic microbiology. Experience in modern experimental microbial ecology techniques, e.g., stable isotope probing, fluorescence microscopy, high-throughput cultivation. In-depth knowledge of archaeal physiology and cell biology. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
The Successful Candidate Will	Have excellent oral and written communication skills. Have the ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Have the ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks and in different roles. Participate in experimental field work. Commit to the mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students. Work productively in a team-oriented environment and have a proven track record of team work. Maintain excellent records, attention to detail, meet deadlines, prioritize competing demands, and should be skilled at prioritizing, organizing, and working on multiple projects.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information	To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The position is to be filled immediately and will remain open until filled. The position is funded for 36 months by the Simons and Moore Foundation’s Origin of the Eukaryotic Cell Initiative. Moving costs up to $4k will be covered. Applicants are asked to submit a CV including a list of publications, a 1-2 page statement on research experience and interests, future goals, and the names and contact information of at least two references. Reference letters do not have to be included during initial application but will be requested as needed. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands	To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?	No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	1
Desired Start Date	Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:	Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position is filled.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement	Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment/dualcareer.html