Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (Multiple Positions)

The Petrullo Lab within the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology invites two Postdoctoral Researchers to join our NIH-funded study of the relationship between stress physiology and the gut microbiome in wild rodents. The overarching goal of this project are to use field-based experimental manipulations in wild animals to elucidate connections between ecological stimuli of the host HPA axis (e.g., population density, food availability) and downstream changes in gut microbiome communities. Other goals include: 1) identify precise microbial traits that respond to activation of the host HPA axis, including changes in microbe-microbe interactions, 2) investigate immune mechanisms mediating host-microbe responses, and 3) begin linking these mechanisms to host health and fitness outcomes.

The Postdoctoral Researchers will be involved in field work, wet lab work, bioinformatics, and other project management roles related to this work. They will also have the opportunity to develop their own independent research questions and projects using these and other data related to host-microbe interactions within an ecological and evolutionary context.

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 click here.

• Writing and submission of manuscripts.
• Participation in ongoing research projects.
• Organizing and performing relevant wet lab work including microbial DNA extractions, hormone and immune assays.
• Development and execution of bioinformatic pipelines to analyze microbiome data.
• Fieldwork including the trapping and handling of small mammals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm for joining a fast-growing and multi-disciplinary lab.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaborative skills.

• Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, or related field.

• Demonstrated record of publications in related areas.
• Prior fieldwork experience, especially working with small mammals.
• Research/professional experience with bioinformatic approaches relevant to microbiome analyses.