A postdoctoral research associate position is available in Engineering of Microbial Systems as part of the microbial component of the NSF-funded Understanding the Rules of Life project, “Using the Rules of Antibiotic Resistance Development to Inform Wastewater Mitigation Strategies”. The successful candidate will work closely with Drs. Adina Howe and Laura Jarboe, as well as collaborate with other Iowa State University researchers and engage with the broader project team.
Position Overview
This postdoctoral position is part of a collaborative research project with teams at the University at Buffalo and Virginia Tech. The overarching goal is to develop models that describe how antimicrobial resistance is selected during wastewater treatment processes.
The Microbial Engineering component focuses on characterizing the cost-benefit dynamics of microbial resistance to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics, and the associated impact of temperature, metals, and non-antibiotic chemicals.
Role Responsibilities
This position will support research on de novo mutations acquired by E. coli during evolution in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Key activities include:
Engineering mutations into baseline strains
Determining minimum selective concentrations under varying conditions
Implementing mutations individually and in combination with one another
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
The selection of mutations for characterization
Design and implementation of these editing strategies
Quantitative assessment of the relative abundance of the engineered strains in various growth conditions
Training undergraduate and graduate student researchers in the safe performance of these experiments
Communication of results to team members and others in the scientific community, both in writing and in oral presentations.
The ideal candidate will have:
Strong writing and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills
The ability to work in a collaborative environment
A demonstrated understanding of wastewater treatment processes, including the role of bacteria in nutrient cycling and the impact of pathogens on system performance and public health
Be creative, independent, and have the desire to learn new things
A Ph.D. or the equivalent in chemical engineering, biological engineering, microbiology, or a related field
Experience with the design and implementation of targeted gene edits, including but not limited to primer design, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, DNA transformation, and sterile technique
Experience with quantitative characterization of microbial systems, including but not limited to high-throughput growth curves and high-throughput quantitative PCR
Experience with gene editing in prokaryotic systems
Experience with measurement of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum selective concentration, including understanding of dose-response relationships, bacterial resistance thresholds, and relevant statistical or modeling approaches
Experience with genome sequence datasets
Experience with microbiome sequencing datasets
Experience with quantifying antibiotic-resistant determinants
While maintaining our traditional connection to agriculture, our faculty researchers are also developing alternative production systems, leading innovative research for renewable energy sources, developing value-added products and processes, and implementing new methods to improve air and water quality.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time, and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program