The Bean Beetle Microbiome Project, an NSF-funded education/research collaboration of Emory University and Morehouse College, seeks a post-doctoral research associate with interest in insect-microbe interactions and the implementation and assessment of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs). The overall goal of this project is to determine the importance of student autonomy in a discovery CURE based on the bean beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) microbiome across diverse institutions. The post-doc will work with the PIs to facilitate the implementation of the bean beetle microbiome CURE at diverse institutions and will assist with student assessment in these CUREs. The post-doc will have the opportunity to develop their own projects related to insect microbiomes in Dr. Nicole Gerardo’s lab at Emory University and related to discipline-based education research in laboratory courses in collaboration with Dr. Chris Beck at Emory University and Dr. Larry Blumer and Dr. Sinead Younge at Morehouse College. In addition, opportunities to gain teaching experience are available. The post-doc will be employed by Emory University, but will interact with PIs at both institutions.
Emory University is a private, research university just east of the city of Atlanta. Morehouse College is a private, all-male, historically Black college located in southwest Atlanta. The Gerardo lab (https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/gerardolab/) studies the evolutionary ecology of interactions between microbes and hosts within the vibrant ecology and evolution research community at Emory. Dr. Chris Beck and Dr. Larry Blumer are long-time collaborators in the area of laboratory curriculum development and faculty professional development. They have developed the bean beetle as a common model system for undergraduate biology laboratory education (www.beanbeetles.org). Emory University has an active science education research community that includes a cross-disciplinary science education research journal club that meets weekly during the academic year. Dr. Sinead Younge has expertise in qualitative research on education.
Qualifications
Candidates should hold a Ph.D or equivalent in the biological sciences, with prior experience in microbiome research and data analysis preferred. Experience in inquiry-based laboratory teaching or discipline-based education research is highly desirable. Evidence of excellent academic achievement and commitment to a career in college or university-level teaching is required.
Terms of Appointment
The post-doctoral associate will be positioned at Emory University. The minimum starting salary is $54,840 with benefits. Funding for travel to conferences related to this project is also available. The initial appointment will be for one year (renewable for a second year). We are open to considering flexible work arrangements for a qualified candidate.
The anticipated start date for the appointment is negotiable but must be before September 2023.
Applications
The review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is selected; however, we ask all interested candidates to reach out, via the email below, at the earliest convenience so that we will know of pending applications.
Applicants should submit (as a single pdf file) a cover letter describing their interest in and experience related to the position, their CV, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three individuals who can serve as references. Applications should be emailed to postdoc@beanbeetles.org.