Applications are invited for a post-doctoral fellow to join the Stubbendieck Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater. This position is initially for one year, with the possibility of yearly extensions up to three years, with the possibility of future renewal. Extensions and renewal are based on availability of funds and annual performance evaluations.
Interactions between microbes are facilitated by antibiotics and other secondary metabolites (also called “natural products” or “specialized metabolites”). The Stubbendieck Laboratory studies how bacteria synthesize and use these metabolites to mediate competition and cooperation within host-associated microbiomes. Currently, the laboratory is focused on the microbiomes of the human oral and respiratory tracts, including the mouth, nose, and lower airways in individuals with cystic fibrosis. To characterize how secondary metabolites function in these systems, the laboratory takes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates traditional microbiology, genomic and metagenomic sequencing, genetics, and natural product chemistry. The long-term goals of the Stubbendieck laboratory are to better understand the ecological and mechanistic functions of secondary metabolites in microbiomes and to identify potential avenues for the development of therapeutics.
Expected duties of the post-doctoral fellow will include: 1) development and performance of microbial co-culture assays, 2) extraction, fractionation, and isolation of metabolites from microbial cultures, 3) structural elucidation of microbial metabolites using mass spectrometry and/or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and 4) genetic characterization of biosynthetic gene clusters.
Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie R1 doctoral-granting university with $195,041,000 annual research expenditures in 2022. The city of Stillwater is a vibrant university town with a cost of living well below the national average. Stillwater is consistently ranked among the nation’s top small cities for quality of life and boasts a vibrant downtown, low crime rate, and excellent school system.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in characterizing natural products or secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters.
Interested applicants show apply by submitting a cover letter explaining their qualifications for the position and a complete CV to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/141377 For more information please contact Dr. Reed Stubbendieck ( stubbendieck@okstate.edu). Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. Additional inquiries regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Stubbendieck. This position is contingent upon the availability of funding.
Oklahoma State University as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu
