Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Freshwater Microbial Ecology - UTK

The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Closing Date: Aug 1, 2026

Web Address: https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/8719

Description

The Wilhelm and Talmy research groups in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Tennessee invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary project examining how episodic events shape competition, oxidative stress responses, and toxin production in the bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis.

The successful candidate will contribute to controlled chemostat experiments, mesocosm studies, molecular and physiological analyses, and integration of laboratory results with predictive modeling. The project focuses on mechanisms linking short-term temperature fluctuations, oxidative stress, strain succession, and microcystin production in Lake Erie and related freshwater systems. The project also addresses the role of nutrient elements in selection for Microcystis. We seek applicants with a Ph.D. in microbiology, aquatic ecology, environmental science, biological oceanography, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include experience in one or more of the following: cyanobacterial culture, experimental design, flow cytometry, qPCR/transcriptomics, physiological measurements, environmental data analysis, or quantitative/modeling approaches. Candidates should have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and interest in collaborative, cross-disciplinary research.

The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with a team spanning microbiology, physiology, field ecology, and modeling, and will have opportunities to mentor students, publish high-impact research, and participate in field activities in the Great Lakes region.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead, plan and carry out research associated with freshwater microbial communities in lab and field studies
• Collect, analyze data, and create reports on activities to present at lab meetings
• Generate peer-reviewed publications on the outcomes of research
• Assist in the mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students in the research team. 
• Participate in the labs outreach/broader impact efforts in the location community

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in microbiology, aquatic ecology, environmental science, biological oceanography, or a related field. 

• Experience in one or more of the following: cyanobacterial culture, experimental design, flow cytometry, qPCR/transcriptomics, physiological measurements, environmental data analysis, or quantitative/modeling approaches. 

• Candidates should have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills, and interest in collaborative, cross-disciplinary research.

 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.