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Postdoctoral Scientist - Subsurface microbial ecology, (eco)physiology and biogeochemistry
Marine Biological Laboratory
Falmouth, MA, USA
Posted on Mar 28, 2026
| The Ruff and Koop-Jakobsen Labs seek a postdoctoral researcher (PD) to conduct independent research at the interface of subsurface microbial ecology, (eco)physiology and biogeochemistry. The overarching goal of the project is to investigate microbial populations and metabolisms that are involved in the production and consumption of "dark oxygen". Dark oxygen can be microbially produced in the absence of light mainly via the dismutation of chlorite (ClO2- --> Cl- + O2) or nitric oxide (2NO --> N2 + O2). The Ruff Team, together with international collaborators, has shown that dark oxygen is produced in subsurface environments potentially on a global scale. This process is thus relevant for the ecology and evolution of the subsurface and may represent an overlooked player in biogeochemical cycles including the carbon cycle, e.g. through the aerobic oxidation of methane in bulk anoxic ecosystems. We now received funding from the NASA ICAR program (Interdisciplinary Consortia for Astrobiology Research) to further study dark oxygen production (DOP) in diverse marine and terrestrial subsurface ecosystems. To obtain comprehensive insights the PD will combine multi-omics, long-read sequencing, stable isotope probing (SIP), gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, microelectrode measurements and high-resolution microscopy to study the biogeochemistry and metabolic activity of microbes performing DOP. In collaboration with leading labs in their field the OxyMoRon project also includes oxygen isotope geochemical analyses (Dr. Scott Wankel and Dr. Valier Galy, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), bioinformatics (Valerie De Anda, MBL/University of Vienna), single-cell genomics (Maria Pachiadaki, WHOI) cultivation, molecular evolution and microbial ecophysiology (Ranjani Murali, University of Nevada Las Vegas). Candidate CV's will be shared with these project leads. The position is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, enabling the PD to become part of an excellent global network of geochemists and environmental microbiologists. https://science.nasa.gov/astrobiology/researchers/funded-research/icar/icar2024/ |
The PD will work in the Ecosystems Center as well as the Josephine Bay Paul Center and will be able to substantially shape the research direction and develop original questions within the overall scope of the project. We seek an independent, creative and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with a publication track record in microbiology or related fields. Funding support is available for three years, with an extension to up to four years, but performance will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Submission deadline is end of April, a decision will be made by the end of May, and start date is between August 1 and November 1, ideally September 1.
Basic Qualifications
• A PhD in microbiology, microbial ecology, biochemistry, biogeochemistry, bioinformatics, or equivalent areas of research by start date.
• Strong work ethic, creative thinking, problem solving, ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including demonstrated publication and presentation record
• Expertise in one or more -omics techniques, including (meta)genomics, (meta)transcriptomics, (meta)proteomics, metabolomics and downstream analyses and visualization of -omics data
• Proficiency in one or more (bio)informatics languages, including java, python, R. Ability to develop scripts and workflows for data analysis and visualization.
Preferred Qualifications
One or more of the following:
• Experience with long-read sequencing platforms and downstream analyses (e.g. PacBio, Oxford Nanopore)
• Experience with cell staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, microscopy
• Experience in microbial cultivation, isolation, chemical engineering and/or bioengineering
• Experience with chromatography methods, mass spectrometry
• Experience with physiological/biochemical characterization of archaeal and bacterial metabolisms
Application Documents
Please upload as a single PDF the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research goals
- Name and contact information for 3 references. Please do not need send letters; we will contact those on your list.
About MBL
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine, and environmental science. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.
MBL is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where diverse experiences and perspectives combine to better the advancement of scientific inquiry and discovery.
MBL offers a generous benefits package including:
- Medical and Dental Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
- Voluntary Vision Insurance through VSP.
- Basic Life/AD&D Insurance; Voluntary Life/AD&D Insurance; Short-Term Disability Insurance; and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
- Vacation Time: Employees accrued based on years of service, beginning with 12 days/year.
- Sick Time: Employees accrue 13 sick days/year. Accrued paid time off is pro-rated based on scheduled hours.
- Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year plus 2 floating holidays.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees may make pre-tax contributions up to the yearly IRS limit for health care expenses and for dependent care expenses. The plan is administered by Discovery Benefits/WEX.
- Tax Deferred Annuity Plan: Employees may make pre-tax or after-tax contributions to a TIAA account up to the IRS limit. MBL Retirement Plan: The MBL contributes 10% of salary to the Retirement Plan to a TIAA account. Eligibility is two years of service, however service at other government or non-profit institutions may count toward this requirement. Contributions are immediately fully vested.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The MBL offers an EAP which provides free and confidential counseling to employees and family members. The program is administered by New Directions Behavioral Health.