Post-Doctoral Associate AD - West & Lourenco

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in the Microbiome Research group. The position focuses on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting human microbiome data to understand healthy and diseased states across diverse populations, with emphasis on metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.

Applicants should have a PhD in data science, microbiome-related fields, and strong publication records. Proficiency in Python, QIIME(QIIME2), R, and related tools is expected.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in data science, animal science, microbiome, quantitative and computational sciences or related fields.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as a proven publication record is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze data (85%)
• Writing and reporting of research (5%)
• Present results to the scientific community and for publication (10%)

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Statistics

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in data science, animal science, microbiome, quantitative and computational sciences or related fields

Tools

QIIME

QIIME2

R

Phyloseq

DESeq2

ANCOM

PICRUSt

Job description

Position Summary

The University of Georgia Microbiome Research group is seeking a motivated and hardworking postdoctoral fellow to support and develop novel approaches to collect, analyze, and interpret human microbiome data to better understand the healthy and diseased microbiome. Our group seeks to understand how the microbiome, particularly the gastrointestinal system, changes between diverse individuals spanning multiple age groups, sexes, ethnicities, and other key population demographics. We are also interested in how the microbiome changes in acute and chronic disease and injury states in conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, and cancer and how they correlate with condition severity and prognosis. Experience in the use of the programming language Python, as well as Python software such as QIIME and QIIME2. In addition, experience using R, including packages such as Phyloseq, DESeq2, ANCOM, and/or PICRUSt. Experience with software and pipelines important for analyzing shotgun sequencing data, metatranscriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics. Familiarity with statistical analyses using linear, mixed, and non-linear models, as well as non‑parametric data in order to analyze large data sets. The candidate will work primarily in the field of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics; however, summarizing and analyzing other type of large datasets such as population demographics is desirable. The successful candidate will work under the direction of Drs. Jeferson Lourenco and Franklin West. The UGA Microbiome Research group led by Drs. Lourenco and West is a highly collaborative team that works with academic, industry, and government partners nationally and internationally. Their research is also highly interdisciplinary and often includes working with microbiologist, nutritionist, clinicians, and other allied health industry experts. Drs. Lourenco and West are committed to the short‑ and long‑term professional development of lab members and will work with the candidate in supporting their career goals.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze data (85%)
• Writing and reporting of research (5%)
• Present results to the scientific community and for publication (10%)

Qualifications

Ph.D. in data science, animal science, microbiome, quantitative and computational sciences or related fields. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as a proven publication record is preferred.

Physical Demands

Minimal lifting/bending in the normal operations of a typical office/lab environment. Travel to/from multiple locations as needed for job duties.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable.

Contact Details

Name: Jane Pinson

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

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The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.