Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Soil Microbiome)

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

4d • CA$60,000 - CA$70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant-Soil Microbiome Ecology and Innovation Lab, led by Dr. Zelalem Taye at the University of British Columbia, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to support a collaborative project focused on mapping soil microbial biodiversity across forest and agricultural ecosystems in British Columbia. The position will be in the Applied Biology Program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus. This is a full-time position for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding. The position will start as soon as possible. Soil biodiversity is critical to ecosystem productivity, resilience, and land stewardship, yet it remains underrepresented in land-use and conservation decision-making. This project will generate soil microbiome data, support protocol harmonization, and work with land stewards, researchers, and community partners to advance applied soil biodiversity knowledge.

Requirements

• Hold a PhD in Soil Science, Plant Science, Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field, with a strong publication record.
• Strong background in microbiome research, microbial ecology, genomics, bioinformatics, soil science, or related fields.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• Creative, highly motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in soil, plant, environmental, or microbial ecology research.
• Experience in DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing workflows, or molecular laboratory methods.
• Experience in amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, bioinformatics, statistics, or programming.
• Experience in field sampling, sample management, and laboratory coordination.
• Experience in data management, reproducible workflows, and scientific communication.
• Availability to start immediately is preferred.
• A valid driver’s licence is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research projects in collaboration with the supervisor, including defining research methodologies, preparing proposals, and coordinating with external collaborators.
• Coordinate and conduct sample collection and processing for soil microbiome analysis.
• Perform DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing-library preparation support, and related molecular laboratory workflows.
• Organize, maintain, and document field and laboratory metadata, sample inventories, and project records.
• Analyze amplicon and/or metagenomic sequencing data using appropriate bioinformatics, statistical, and visualization workflows.
• Support the development, testing, and harmonization of field, laboratory, and data-analysis protocols.
• Contribute to reports, manuscripts, presentations, and knowledge-sharing materials.
• Assist with day-to-day lab organization, equipment use, ordering, and coordination of project activities.
• Support and mentor undergraduate and graduate students involved in related research activities.
• Liaise with project collaborators, land stewards, and community partners as appropriate.
• Pursue creative research ideas aligned with the candidate’s interests and the broader goals of the lab.
• Perform other related duties in support of the project and the lab.

Benefits

• Benefits (and may increase with fellowship awards)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree