Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Microbial Genomics

European Commission; Canada; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Canada seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Microbial Genomics to study microbial communities in thawing permafrost. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD and have experience with bioinformatics tools and sequencing technologies. We offer competitive wages starting at $55k/year, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for impactful research in environmental policy. Interested candidates should apply by emailing their CV and cover letter to Andrew Tanentzap at [e-mail].

Benefits

Enhanced health and dental benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Affordable living in Peterborough

Qualifications

• Completed a PhD by the start date.
• Evidence of an emerging publication record using metagenomics data.
• Ability to mentor junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Characterise microbial community composition in thawing permafrost.
• Apply single-cell sequencing approaches to environmental pathogens.
• Support field research logistics and operations.

Skills

Bioinformatics tools

Long-read sequencing

Single-cell microbial genomics

Leadership experience

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

Illumina sequencing

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

Job description

Would you like to help us make EURAXESS even better? Take this very quick user satisfaction survey - it won’t take more than 5 minutes!

Organisation/Company Trent University Research Field Biological sciences Environmental science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Canada Application Deadline 30 Jul 2025 - 23:00 (America/Toronto) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Microbial Genomics

The Ecosystems and Global Change Group( www.ecosystemchange.com ) at Trent University jointly led by Prof Andrew Tanentzap (Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems) and Dr Erik Emilson (Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service sector of Natural Resources Canada, https://glfc-wet.github.io ) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to start immediately. The initial appointment will last for two years with a possibility for renewal.

The project: Permafrost thaw risks releasing microbes into the natural environment that have been isolated from modern ecosystems for millennia with unknown consequences for people and wildlife. We are searching for an experienced researcher to characterise microbial community composition and functioning in thawing North American permafrost, with a particular focus on environmental pathogens and the application of single-cell sequencing approaches. Our research group also holds large sequencing datasets from freshwaters and soils that are often coupled with untargeted metabolomics data, offering substantial opportunities for focused data mining. The appointed candidate will have completed the requirements for a PhD by their start date and have evidence of an emerging publication record using state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools to analyse metagenomics sequencing data. The ideal candidate will have some knowledge relevant to long-read sequencing, single-cell microbial genomics, and whole genome assembly. The candidate will be expected to mentor junior team members, so leadership experience will be advantageous.

What we can offer: Our research training environment features some of the most advanced environmental research infrastructure in Canada, including access to a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer, short- (Illumina) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore) sequencing facility with dedicated HPC, radioisotope and stable isotope labs, and eddy covariance systems, with extensive support for field research (ATVs, snowmobiles, autonomous surface vessel).As our team partners with government scientists, you will have a unique opportunity to influence environmental policy and make connections outside of academic to bolster your career.

We offer competitive wages (starting $55k/yr; negotiable) plus enhanced health and dental benefits. Peterborough is one of the most affordable and desirable places to live in Ontario, offering the best of urban (70 mins to Toronto) and rural living all under 30 minutes to the heart of the Kawarthas that boasts endless lakes and forests to explore.Our group supports flexible working arrangements and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds as we strive to build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Overseas applicants will be supported in applying for a Work Permit.

How to apply: Please email Andrew Tanentzap ([e-mail] ) with a CV and brief cover letter describing what you hope to get out of working with us, how your research interests are a good fit to our group, and how your past experiences make you suitable for this position. The position will remain open until filled.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Biological sciencesEnvironmental science