Department
 

BSD E&E - Kuehn Lab

About the Department
 

The Kuehn Laboratory in the Department of Ecology and Evolution and the Center for the Physics of Evolving Systems at The University of Chicago is comprised of physicists, applied mathematicians, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists dedicated to answering questions at the ecological level in the context of microbial communities - key metabolic players in the global eco-evolutionary process. The Laboratory is currently recruiting a Research Scientist to study the field of microbial ecology and evolution in extreme environments.

Job Summary
 

The Quantitative Microbial Ecology and Evolution group led by Seppe Kuehn at the Department of Ecology and Evolution has one immediate opening for a motivated and experienced Research Scientist in the field of microbial ecology and evolution in extreme environments. This position will focus on leveraging genomics and transcriptomics datasets on thermophilic microbial isolates and communities to study the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that underpin individual survival and community function in an extreme environment. The position will also involve a sizable experimental component, including working with environmental isolates and phototroph-heterotroph microbial consortia. The candidate will be expected to be an independent self-starter but will also have opportunities to collaborate with theoreticians and experimentalists and to mentor graduate students. The candidate is expected to communicate results via journal articles and presentations at national and international conferences and to apply for grants to support experimental work.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.

• Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.

• Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.

• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbial Ecology, Microbial evolution, Environmental Microbiology, Biology or a related field.

Experience:

• Postdoctoral experience in both experimental and theoretical approaches to answering questions in microbial ecology and evolution.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Commitment to rigorous and reproducible research.

• Experience managing multiple projects, including delivering results on deadline.

• Enthusiasm, interest, and experience in both experimental and theoretical approaches to answering questions in microbial ecology and evolution.

• A strong track record of publications related to microbial interactions and/or thermophilic microbial isolates.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory and office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required) describing qualifications and research interests

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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