We are seeking a post doctoral scholar with significant experience in bioinformatics with demonstrated machine learning and predictive modeling expertise. Additionally, a successful candidate must have an interest in academic administration, leadership, undergraduate education, and/or trainee recruitment and retention. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have a strong interest and commitment to participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion activities within academia. This is a full-time, 2-year position with possibilities for extension.

The successful candidate will be working (at least 75% of the time) with the Insect-Microbial Symbiosis Lab (IMSL) in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University. IMSL is interested in using machine learning and predictive modeling to identify microbial features (i.e., species, functions, and products) that are essential for normal animal growth and development and then testing these predictions in a live, germ-free/gnotobiotic model invertebrate.

This appointment is cosponsored by the Ohio State University Graduate School, the Ohio State University Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The postdoc will contribute up to 25% of their time to OPA activities. Some examples of these activities include supporting OPA leadership in the development and implementation of professional development, career services, mentorship, and DEI initiatives across Ohio State, participating in undergraduate and graduate teaching, and participating in trainee (undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral) recruitment and retention activities. In addition, the postdoc in this position would have the ability to identify additional OPA activities to contribute to or design that best align with their career interests.

The Insect-Microbial Symbiosis Lab (IMSL) has pioneered the development of methods to generate germ-free insects for developing and testing hypotheses about how microbes impact the growth, development and evolution of animals.

DUTIES: Developing and applying bioinformatic analyses pipelines; effectively applying predictive modeling approaches in a microbiome science context; performing data science and statistical analyses; coauthoring peer-reviewed manuscripts; contributing to grant proposals; mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; giving talks at local, state, national and international meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• a relevant university education with a completed doctoral/PhD degree and a strong interest in the microbiome sciences,

• demonstrated proficiency in command line and high-performance computing,

• demonstrated script writing skills in at least one language (R, Python or Perl),

• demonstrated experience developing bioinformatic pipelines and using machine learning/predictive modeling tools,

• exceptional organizational skills and strong ability to work independently and collaboratively,

• willingness to supervise undergraduate and graduate students, and to promote young scientists,

• excellent spoken and written communication skills.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• This position salary range $58,000 - $65,000, includes full staff benefits, and is eligible for annual merit pay increases pending annual performance review.

• This position includes a $5,000 start-up to be used by the postdoc to establish research and academic activities at the university and to pursue professional development opportunities.

• The Ohio State University offers a highly collaborative, supportive and interdisciplinary environment and provides postdocs with access to professional development and cross-training experiences.

APPLICATION (please include the following items with your application materials):

• Cover letter that details your interest in the position and how you fit the description.

• CV that includes a bibliography and any experiences relevant to the responsibilities described above.

• Please submit up to three published, coauthored papers that reflect your skills as relevant to this position and/or across the fields of microbiology, evolution, ecology, and other relevant biological sciences.

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About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.

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