"Postdoctoral Researcher (Contingent II)"

Job Details

Job Posting:
JR101374 Postdoctoral Researcher (Contingent II) (Open)

Department:
BSU Natural Sciences, JM

Position Type:
Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Open Date:
10-15-2025

Job Description:
Work on a project investigating the effects of bat seed dispersal on plant microbiomes and pathogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems.

Responsibilities:
The Priscila Chaverri Mycology Lab in the Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University (BSU), invites applications for a Contingent II to join a project investigating the effects of bat seed dispersal on plant microbiomes and pathogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems. This interdisciplinary project combines microbial ecology (fungal and bacterial), plant-microbe-animal interactions, and plant pathology. The postdoc will contribute to all phases of the research, including: microbial community profiling using high-throughput sequencing (ITS, 16S), bioinformatic analysis, greenhouse-based seedling monitoring and microbiome tracking, fieldwork and sample processing in Costa Rica (frequent travel required), mentoring undergraduate and Master’s students at BSU, and assisting in developing and teaching undergraduate courses and Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).

Minimum Qualifications:
microbiology, bird or bat mist-netting and handling, microbiome analysis, bioinformatics (e.g., R), fieldwork, ecological/microbial community analysis, research paper writing and publication,

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, microbiology, ecology, plant pathology, plant sciences, or a related field (by time of appointment).
• Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and microbiome analysis.
• Experience handling bats or similar animals (e.g., birds)
• Willingness and ability to do fieldwork and travel to Costa Rica multiple times per year

Other:

• Interest and experience in undergraduate teaching and mentorship
• Field research experience
• Experience in ecology, fungal, bacterial, or plant-associated microbiomes
• Previous research experience (e.g., postdoctoral)

Additional Job Information:
Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year, tuition remission and supplemental retirement