A Postdoctoral Scientist position is available to advance the study of biosignatures in support of NASA’s search for life beyond Earth. This unique two-year position will be based at Harvard University’s Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Girguis, and in close collaboration with Boston University’s Department of Biology in the laboratory of Dr. Jeffrey Marlow. Research questions will include but are not limited to: How does mineralogical heterogeneity affect microbial abundance and metabolic activity? Does microbial metabolism enhance or degrade spatial patterns of energetic disequilibria? Are the measurable electrical properties of a rock-hosted microbiome diagnostic of biological activity? Research activities include the development and use of electrochemical, mineralogical, and microbiological techniques and methods to study microbe-mineral interactions that are astrobiologically relevant. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in two or more of the following research areas and methods: aqueous geochemistry, bioenergetics, microbial ecology, electrochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, microspectroscopy, microbial physiology/biochemistry, and electrochemical measurements. A robust publication record, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a demonstrated commitment to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences are all highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in two or more of the following research areas and methods: aqueous geochemistry, bioenergetics, microbial ecology, electrochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, microspectroscopy, microbial physiology/biochemistry, and electrochemical measurements. A robust publication record, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a demonstrated commitment to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences are all highly desirable.

Specific duties will include: Leading independent research projects in partnerships with members of the Girguis and Marlow labs; Leading the publication of the resulting findings; Presenting relevant findings at conferences and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals; Working with other members of the Laboratory for Agnostic Biosignatures through collaborative cross-cutting projects and regular meetings.

Applicants should send application materials (CV, publication list, and statement of research interests) and the names and contact information for three references to pgirguis@oeb.harvard.edu and jthomson@oeb.harvard.edu and jjmarlow@bu.edu by February 1, 2021. A PhD in a related field is required at the time of appointment. Applications received before February 1st, 2021 will receive primary consideration. No applications will be reviewed after March 1st. The target start date is between June and July 1st, 2021.

Jenn Thompson

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.