Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Microbiology - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

8h•$50,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Zachary Burcham Lab in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is focused on how key microbes within host and environmental microbiomes degrade organic wastes and how modulating these microbiomes may lead to cleaner, more efficient waste conversion into valuable bioproducts. Current lab research spans diverse biological scales, including the microbial roles in organic waste cycling by the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) gut microbiome, forensic microbiology, and collaborations in human health focused on oral and vaginal microbiomes. We utilize a combination of environmental sampling, laboratory models, multi-omics, and bioinformatic tools to explore the relationship between microbial diversity, microbial interactions, and ecological outcomes in free-living and host-associated systems. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and advance computational/bioinformatic integrative analyses of these multi-omic microbiome datasets. A successful candidate will be able to develop reproducible analytical workflows, generate publishable insights from large, complex datasets, and contribute to high-impact manuscripts and grant proposals in host-associated and environmental microbiome research. This is a 12-month appointment renewed annually; funding is available for up to three years, with possible extension based on performance and funding.

Requirements

Lead and advance computational/bioinformatic integrative analyses of multi-omic microbiome datasets.

Responsibilities

Develop reproducible analytical workflows.
Generate publishable insights from large, complex datasets.
Contribute to high-impact manuscripts and grant proposals in host-associated and environmental microbiome research.