Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reduction

Job summary

The University of Arizona invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology in the Duhamel Lab (Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry). The role leads NSF-funded research on prasinophyte mixoplankton under phosphorus limitation, using radioisotopes to quantify carbon and phosphorus uptake, in collaboration with Susquehanna University.

The position is full-time for 24 months with annual renewal, start date early 2027, includes travel and career

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biological oceanography, marine science, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, microbiology, or a related field conferred by start date.

Responsibilities

• Lead NSF-funded laboratory research on prasinophyte mixoplankton and bacterial prey.
• Coordinate experiments with Susquehanna University and PI.
• Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers and participate in outreach activities.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis (R/Python)

Scientific writing

Project coordination

Mentoring undergraduates

Radiation safety

Flow cytometry

Education

Ph.D. in biological oceanography or related field

Tools

Flow cytometer

Liquid scintillation counting

Radioisotope handling

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology

Posting Number req27025

Department Molecular and Cellular Biology

Department Website Link https://mcb.arizona.edu

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structures of life, exploring how biological molecules function within cells and how these processes are regulated through genetics. Our collaborative and innovative research community spans a broad range of disciplines. The Duhamel Lab studies the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical transformations, their adaptation to different environments, and their stress response. As part of this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of scientists advancing discoveries in biology.

The Duhamel Lab at the University of Arizona (Marine Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry) invites you to apply for the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Microbial Ecology. In this role, you will lead NSF-funded laboratory research (the P-MixSwitch project, in collaboration with Susquehanna University) investigating whether prasinophyte mixoplankton switch from photosynthesis to prey ingestion when phosphorus becomes scarce. You will design and conduct steady-state continuous-culture experiments with radioisotope tracers (14C and 33P) to quantify carbon and phosphorus acquisition from photosynthetic and phagotrophic pathways, together with physiological and biochemical measurements. You will analyze, synthesize, and publish results; present findings at national and international conferences; and coordinate experiments with collaborators at Susquehanna University. You will also assist the PI with mentoring undergraduate researchers and participate in the project's education and outreach activities.

This is a full-time, 24-month postdoctoral appointment funded by a National Science Foundation Biological Oceanography award (the collaborative P-MixSwitch project with Susquehanna University), and is renewed annually contingent on performance and funding. The anticipated start date is early 2027 (negotiable). The position includes funded travel to present findings at national and international conferences and structured career development under the project's postdoctoral mentoring plan. Work is performed in the Duhamel Lab and involves laboratory research with algal cultures, chemicals, and radioisotope tracers.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory culture experiments with prasinophyte mixoplankton and bacterial prey by:
  • Designing, setting up, and operating exponentially fed batch (EFB) continuous cultures.
  • Monitoring steady-state growth.
  • Conducting experimental sampling.
  • Performing sample analyses in collaboration with a research laboratory technician and the PI.
• Coordinate experiments with the collaborating postdoctoral scientist and PI at Susquehanna University by:
  • Planning experiment timelines.
  • Hosting their research visits to Tucson.
• Conduct radioisotope tracer experiments (14C-bicarbonate, 33P-phosphate, and dual-labeled bacterial prey) to quantify carbon and phosphorus uptake from osmoautotrophic and phagotrophic pathways.
• Perform physiological and biochemical measurements (e.g., flow cytometry, prey ingestion assays, chlorophyll, cellular energy charge, alkaline phosphatase activity, nutrient analyses).
• Analyze and synthesize experimental data.
• Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences (e.g., ASLO Ocean Sciences).
• Assist the PI with data management and reporting, and in mentoring undergraduate researchers.
• Participate in the project's education and outreach activities (e.g., high school workshops and public science events).

The successful Candidate must complete the University of Arizona laboratory safety and radiation safety training to work with radioisotopes under the laboratory's authorization.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of aquatic microbial ecology, phytoplankton physiology, and marine biogeochemistry.
• Knowledge of laboratory and radiation safety practices related to work with chemicals and radioisotopes (trainingwill be provided).
• Skill in microbial and phytoplankton culturing and sterile technique, including continuous culture systems.
• Skill in quantitative instrumental analyses (e.g., flow cytometry, fluorometry, and liquid scintillation counting).
• Skill in scientific writing and data analysis using tools such as R or Python.
• Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot complex experiments independently.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work across concurrent experiments and coordinate with a multi-institutional team.
• Ability to communicate results effectively through publications and presentations and to mentor undergraduate researchers.

PhysicalRequirements and Environmental Demands

• Workis performed primarily in a research laboratory environment.
• Requiresthe ability to access and work throughout laboratory areas, which mayinclude extended periods of standing and walking, and to performrepetitive laboratory procedures.
• Requireshandling laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and,following required training, radioisotopes.
• Mustadhere to established laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriatepersonal protective equipment (PPE).

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biological oceanography, marine science, microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, microbiology, or a related field conferred by the start date.

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 1/4/2027

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Requests for information or inquiries about the position can be sent to: Valerie McClure Human Resources Generalist [e-mail]

Open Date 9/16/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].