Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Postdoctoral Investigator to join the Biology Department. This is a 24 month, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.

Anticipated Start: The position start date is negotiable and can begin as early as May 1, 2024, but no later than December 31, 2024.

Position duration: The appointment is for 24 months.

This position will remain open until filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral investigator to engage in research that focuses on the marine ciliate Mesodinium rubrum, in addition to other Mesodinium spp. The postdoc will work on an NSF MCB funded project to study the evolution of acquired phototrophy by organelle sequestration in Mesodinium ciliates in the Johnson Lab at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA (USA). The main activity that the postdoc investigator will engage in is to understand protein trafficking of de novo expressed proteins from the stolen cryptophyte nucleus of M. rubrum, to sequestered organelle complexes. The postdoc will develop and use immunolocalization and spatial proteomics approaches. As part of this project the hired postdoc will be expected to travel for training in spatial proteomics to University of Cambridge, Cambridge (UK), for 3 months. This position will also involve analysis of proteomic and transcriptomic data. The postdoc will be expected to perform routine culturing of ciliates and various cryptophyte algae, physiological measurements, and analyzing samples using microscopy and flow cytometry.

The appointee will be based in the laboratory of Dr. Matt Johnson (WHOI) and will be expected to participate in regular project zoom meetings with project Co-PI Dr. Holly Moeller (University of California, Santa Barbara), and other collaborators. The postdoc will also be expected to travel to scientific meetings to present their findings.

The postdoc will be encouraged to take advantage of professional development opportunities at WHOI for postdocs and early career scientists and will be encouraged to develop independent lines of inquiry related to the project at WHOI, through collaborators, and by attending meetings.

The institution has a top-rated postdoctoral program (www.whoi.edu/postdoctoral/) that supports a dynamic postdoctoral community with formal mentoring and career guidance programs.

Online application forms should be submitted with a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, statement of interest and three letters of recommendation. Applications will be reviewed upon submission.

*Research

*Studying

*Understanding

*Travel

*Routine Culturing

*Analysing

*Zoom Meetings

*Present Findings/Presentations

*Collaboration

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must hold a PhD or be enrolled within a PhD program or international equivalent at time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

PhD in biology, cell biology, microbiology, oceanography, plant biology, or closely related disciplines by time of appointment

Preferred qualifications

Prior research experience in protistology, aquatic microbial ecology, plant biology, cell biology, or related disciplines
• Practical laboratory experience with protists, microscopy, extracting nucleic acids and protein, research experience with protein or gene expression
• Programming experience in bioinformatics and statistics

A track record of talks and peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.

Mostly sedentary.