Postdoctoral Scholar- NASA Exobiology

NASA NEEDS YOU!

Big-data, proteomic Postdoctoral Scholar needed for NASA Exobiology research.

A position of Postdoctoral Scholar open in the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington in the Nunn Environmental Proteomics Division of the MacCoss Lab. We are seeking a motivated person to study the dynamic proteome of psychrophiles grown in a range of sub-zero temperatures and high salinity environments (for a project description see: https://sites.google.com/a/uw.edu/nasa-exobio---biosignatures-for-life-in-earth-and-mars-ice-and-brines/home).  Multiple extremophiles were cultured with a stable isotope tracer to track new protein synthesis under Mars-analog conditions to better understand what peptide biomarkers might be indicators of life. 

This person will work in close collaboration with a polar microbiology and ice physics team to complete the analysis of the data collected on halophilic bacteria in Earth and Mars-analog brine and ice. Samples were grown with stable isotope tracers to complete stable isotope probing-proteomics (SIP-proteomics) and track the rate and production of new proteins across a range of temperatures.  Proteins were extracted and analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomic methods (data-dependent analyses: DDA and data-independent analyses: DIA) on the different growth conditions to decipher key peptide targets that might indicate different metabolic states. Two years of experience in transcriptomics, proteomics, or genomics are highly desirable. 

The Nunn lab is fully integrated with the MacCoss's proteomic mass spectrometry group at the University of Washington. The general lab environment is collaborative, friendly, and constructive. We are seeking a highly motivated and productive scientist with a suitable background as aforementioned. The laboratory nurtures a collaborative environment with ample opportunities for grant writing, professional training, and career development routes in big data analyses, bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, and quantitative analyses.

The ideal candidate will have some experience with statistical analyses of big data (such as genomics, transcriptomic, metabolomics, or proteomics) and have a basic understanding, or strong interest in, microbiology or exobiology and/or NASA-relevant questions.

The laboratory is highly multidisciplinary and scientifically integrated. Salary is commensurate with experience, and UW employee benefits will be provided.

Diversity is a core value of University of Washington.  We believe the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. 

The anticipated start date for this position is October 15th, 2020.

Union Information:

Postdoctoral Scholars at the University of Washington are exclusively represented by the

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), AFL-CIO Local 4121 for purposes of wages, hours, and working conditions. Please be advised that any and all agreements between UW and UAW may result in adjustments effective during your appointment including, among other things, a change in the title of your appointment. The University maintains individual personnel files and you may access your personnel file in accordance with the provisions in the personnel files article of the collective bargaining agreement.