Postdoctoral Research Scholar- Callahan

Essential Job Duties

The Callahan Lab at NC State University (https://callahanlab.cvm.ncsu.edu/team/) is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to lead research that will improve the accuracy and reliability of ‘omics measurements of microbial communities. The salary range is $63,000-$73,000/yr. Initial appointment is for one year, with renewal based on mutual agreement thereafter. Funding is available for at least three years.

NC State University is located in Raleigh, a moderate cost of living city that is the capital of North Carolina and one of the three points of the “Research Triangle” along with UNC Chapel Hill and Duke. The Research Triangle is one of the most dynamic places for academic and industrial research and development in the world. The Callahan Lab is part of the cluster for Microbiomes and Complex Microbial Communities at NC State (https://facultyclusters.ncsu.edu/clusters/microbiomes-and-complex-microbial-communities/).

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested candidates should apply with a cover letter, a CV and contact information for two references through the NC State job portal. Inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. Benjamin Callahan (bcallah@ncsu.edu).

Duties and Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scholar will lead components of an NIGMS-funded research program to make the measurement of complex microbial communities (or “microbiomes”) more accurate and quantitative. Three potential research thrusts have already been identified: (1) long-read amplicon sequencing at maximum resolution, (2) correcting and accounting for bias in metagenomic sequencing, and (3) improving interpretation of metaproteomic measurements. Research ideas by the candidate that fit in the broader theme of improving microbiome measurements will also be considered. This research program builds on advances pioneered in the Callahan lab such as the DADA2 software for amplicon denoising, the MWC model for taxonomic bias in metagenomic measurements, and a growing collaboration related to metaproteomics with the Kleiner lab at NC State. Other responsibilities will include participation in regular project meetings with collaborators, presentation of research at conferences and preparation of manuscripts.