The Santelli Geomicrobiology and Bioremediation Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Biotechnology Institute at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is hiring a postdoctoral researcher in geomicrobiology/molecular biology. This researcher will work on an NSF-funded CAREER grant to determine the pathways and mechanisms by which fungi interact with selenium, an essential toxin, in the environment. Specifically, this research examines the reductive transformation of soluble, toxic Se oxyanions (selenate and selenite) to insoluble Se(0) nanoparticles and volatile, organoselenium compounds by a diverse suite of environmentally-relevant Ascomycete fungi. Aided by whole genome sequences, the researcher will integrate -omics approaches and geochemical assays to shed light on fungal-selenium interactions. This work has direct application to contaminant bioremediation as well as understanding the fate and distribution of contaminants in the environment. 

The researcher will be directly supervised by PI Cara Santelli, who has a diverse lab that is committed to inclusivity and creating a sense of belonging in the group, in academia, and in our community.  PI Santelli supports researchers interested in careers within and outside of academia.

70% RESEARCH
- Help design and conduct laboratory experiments with filamentous fungi to determine mechanisms and pathways of selenium detoxification and biomineralization
- Conduct studies to examine gene expression and/or quantitative global protein expression of fungi in response to selenium exposure
- Work with bioinformaticians to analyze fungal transcriptomics and proteomics data

15% COMMUNICATION
- Communicate results through peer-reviewed journals
- Presentations at conferences and to various stakeholders

10% GENERAL LAB CONTRIBUTIONS
-Contribute to general lab activities, including mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and science outreach

5% PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
-Contribute to researcher's own professional development, such as attending workshops, guest lecturing, advancing DEI, etc.

Applications Due:  Position will be posted until filled, but applications will be reviewed starting April 11th, 2022
Start Date:  Flexible, but ideally before September, 2022
Term: 1 year with additional 1 year pending successful progress review
Starting salary: $52K with benefits

Required Qualifications:
-        PhD in molecular biology, microbiology, mycology, biogeochemistry, or equivalent
-        Microbial genomics, transcriptomics, or proteomics expertise
-        Some bioinformatics experience for gene expression and protein identification
-        Outstanding communication skills and demonstrated expertise with writing and publishing in international peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications:
-        Experience with ion chromatography or other analytical techniques preferred, but not required
-        Experience with microbial culturing valued, but not required