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Job Summary

Susquehanna University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist for a two-year position supported by a collaborative National Science Foundation grant. The successful candidate will join the P-MixSwitch project, a collaboration between Susquehanna University and the University of Arizona, investigating the physiological and genetic mechanisms that enable small marine mixoplankton to switch between photosynthetic and predatory lifestyles.

The Postdoctoral Scientist will work with investigators and research personnel at both institutions in an interdisciplinary research environment integrating microbial ecology, physiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. The position will involve laboratory experiments, molecular and transcriptomic analyses, bioinformatics, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and mentoring undergraduate researchers. This position is defined as an exempt position under FLSA regulations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers at Susquehanna University and the University of Arizona.
• Spend approximately one to two months per year in Tucson, Arizona, as part of the collaborative research effort.
• Assist in conducting laboratory experiments with algal cultures.
• Perform RNA extractions and prepare samples for transcriptomic analyses.
• Analyze transcriptomic datasets using bioinformatics approaches.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and presentation of research findings at scientific conferences.
• Assist in mentoring undergraduate researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Microbial Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a related field required.

Experience

Experience with molecular biology techniques and/or microbial culturing is required. Experience with transcriptomics, RNA sequencing, and/or bioinformatics is preferred. Experience with data analysis in R, Python, or related platforms preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

- Knowledge of microbial ecology, phytoplankton, or protist biology.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal formats.
- Ability to work effectively with researchers and research personnel across institutions and disciplines.

Additional Information for Applicant

Additional Requirements

NSF Research Security Training certification is required. Candidates who do not currently hold this certification must complete the training prior to the start of the position.

About the P-MixSwitch Project

Mixoplankton are ecologically important eukaryotic microorganisms that acquire energy and nutrients through both photosynthesis (phototrophy) and prey consumption (phagotrophy). This dual nutritional strategy allows mixoplankton to play a critical role in global carbon and nutrient cycling. However, the environmental and cellular factors that regulate transitions between phototrophic and phagotrophic modes remain poorly understood.

The P-MixSwitch project seeks to uncover the mechanisms underlying this metabolic flexibility by tracking carbon and phosphorus fluxes through nutrient uptake, photosynthetic carbon fixation, and phagotrophic ingestion of prey. Using physiological, molecular, and transcriptomic approaches, the project will characterize the cellular and subcellular changes associated with trophic switching in ecologically important prasinophyte mixoplankton. This work will advance understanding of the role of marine mixoplankton in carbon cycling within oligotrophic ocean ecosystems.

Research Environment

The Charvet Lab at Susquehanna University uses molecular biology and bioinformatics approaches to investigate genes and pathways involved in mixoplankton phagotrophy under varying environmental conditions. As part of the P-MixSwitch project, the Postdoctoral Scientist will participate in collaborative experimental work with the University of Arizona, followed by RNA extraction, transcriptome sequencing, and gene expression analyses of key prasinophyte strains.

This is a full-time, two-year postdoctoral appointment funded by the National Science Foundation, with an anticipated start date of January 2027. As a grant-funded position, the salary is established by the grant award and is not negotiable.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references through the online application system.

Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2026. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Sophie Charvet at charvet@susqu.edu.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plans; flexible spending accounts; life and long-term disability insurance; and generous paid time off for holidays, vacation, and sick leave.