Researchers in Molecular Biology of Phage-Bacteria-Animal Symbioses JOB DESCRIPTION Hard problems, meaningful work. We are seeking strong molecular (micro)biologists, entomologists, evolutionary geneticists, cell biologists, and/or symbiosis enthusiasts. Researchers (non-tenure track, research faculty) will have the important role to decipher the reproductive manipulation tactics of Wolbachia bacteria and phage genes associated with sex ratio changes in Drosophila and vector/pest applications. The researcher should possess a M.S./PhD degree or their equivalent. Enjoy a vibrant university town with access to a thriving outdoor recreation and academic scene. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Applications must be submitted electronically at the link below. Start data is asap. A complete application should include in a single pdf containing the following materials: (i) a cover letter summarizing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the job (ii) a CV that includes contact information for at least three references (name, position, telephone number, and e-mail address) (iii) full length and first-authored documents of research spanning papers, reports, posters, and presentations. Link: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Academic/job/Researcher---Bordenstein-Lab_REQ_0000064308-1 RESPONSIBILITIES The Researcher position will focus on the use of Drosophila transgenic expression, genetic editing techniques such as RNAi or knockout mutants, fitness assays, reproductive tissue dissections, fluorescent and electron microscopy, microinjections, frequent and large experimental setups with flies, and team management to understand the genetics and mechanisms of how endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia) modify reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster. Studies in microbiome projects may also be a part of the work. Candidates with an interest and background in entomology, transgenics, proteomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, phage biology, evolution, microbiomes, and gene expression are highly encouraged to apply. PENN STATE & THE ONE HEALTH MICROBIOME CENTER Penn State is a Land, Sea, Space, and Sun Grant University located within the beautiful Appalachian mountains of central Pennsylvania. Penn State ranks No. 1 in the Big Ten and No. 2 among all U.S. public universities in the 2025 QS World Universities Rankings for sustainability, as well as No. 4 in the U.S. in the Times High Education University Impact Rankings. Penn State has eight interdisciplinary research institutes dedicated to unsiloing departments and colleges and catalyzing life sciences research from graduate education to 11 biotechnology core facilities (e.g., genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, cell culture, microscopy, fermentation) and 34 research centers - including the One Health Microbiome Center. The One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) is an internationally-awarded center for global impact in microbiology, with a broad interdisciplinary portfolio of microbiome research, education, and outreach. The town of State College and the surrounding communities are home to approximately 100,000 people, including over 45,000 students. The nature-filled area is popular for its mountains, parks, streams, superb sports, and recreational opportunities. State College has an excellent school system and offers many cultural events year round. Seth Bordenstein, Ph.D. Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Endowed Chair in Microbiome Sciences Professor of Biology and Entomology Director of the One Health Microbiome Center Pennsylvania State University "Bordenstein, Seth" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)