[Coral-List] Postdoctoral Position in the Symbiommunity Lab at Texas State University

[Lauren Fuess]

The Symbiommunity Lab (https://fuesslab.wp.txstate.edu <https://fuesslab.wp.txstate.edu/>; PI: Lauren E. Fuess), in the Department of Biology at Texas State University seeks to recruit a postdoctoral research associate for a position lasting up to 2 years. The selected candidate will join a vibrant new lab and have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects in the fields of symbiosis, marine ecology, and evolutionary/ecological immunology. Most current projects are focused on understanding cross-talk between symbiosis and immunity in cnidarians, though other areas of research may be pursued.

Tasks: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for leading studies investigating symbiosis and immunity in cnidarians. The postdoc’s primary duties will be to develop and apply experimental approaches and analytical tools for investigating immune-symbiosis cross-talk in both common cnidarian model systems (i.e. Exaptasia pallida) as well as scleractinian corals. This position will involve a combination of laboratory work and field work. Mentorship is a key component of work in the Symbiommunity lab. The selected applicant will be expected to contribute to the mentoring of other students in the lab, including co-supervising undergraduate research projects.

Duration: The postdoc position is available for up to two years, subject to annual performance review. This duration could be extended contingent upon funding. Start date is flexible and subject to negotiation with the PI, but must be no later than August 1st, 2021.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in immunology, cell biology, ecology, or a closely related field. Expertise in cell biology, immunology, and/or symbiosis is essential. Prior experience with cnidarian model systems and coral husbandry is strongly preferred. Ideal candidates will also have experience with at least some of the following laboratory skills: fluorescent microscopy, biochemical assays, bioinformatics (transcriptomics/genomics, etc). Applicants should have or plan to obtain SCUBA certification (minimum Open Water certification, AAUS preferred).

Applications should be submitted electronically via email in a single pdf containing the following elements:

1)    A cover letter summarizing the applicants interests in the lab and past academic accomplishments
2)    A statement of past research achievements, including relevant skills (1-2 pages)
3)    A brief statement of your contributions to the Symbiommunity Lab, including plans for potential projects (1 page)
4)    The applicants CV
5)    A copy of two publications/submitted manuscripts
6)    A list of three references with contact information. We will request letters directly from these references once top candidates have been selected.

Please email this application to Dr. Lauren Fuess (lfuess at txstate.edu <mailto:lfuess at txstate.edu>). Applications received by December 11th, 2020 will receive first consideration, though review will continue until the position is filled. Questions and inquires can be directed to Dr. Lauren Fuess.

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Dr. Lauren E. Fuess
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology

5307 Ingram Hall
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX 78666

lfuess at txstate.edu <mailto:lfuess at txstate.edu>
laurenfuess.weebly.com <http://laurenfuess.weebly.com/>
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