The Strader lab in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University
(straderlab.com) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a minimum
of 2 years, but up to 4, depending on performance. This postdoctoral
researcher will join an exciting lab group consisting of 5 PhD students
and a dozen undergraduates studying molecular ecology and evolution
of marine invertebrates. The Department of Biology at TAMU is a
vibrant and supportive community with access to impressive research
infrastructure. The postdoc's primary role will be advancing our
work on mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity in the purple
sea urchin model, particularly the role of microbes and feeding in
shaping larval host traits. This work will include targeted drug
screens, larval culturing, epigenomics, molecular techniques, basic
microbiology, whole-mount in situ hybridization, HCR-FISH, and advanced
imaging. Candidates should have advanced experience with at least some
of these techniques, but a willingness to learn others.

Specifics: The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for leading
studies on a recently funded NIH R35 in the lab, entitled: "The role of
the epigenome-microbiome axis in phenotypic plasticity". The project
will involve experimental work with the purple sea urchin model system,
including husbandry, larval culturing, and integrating multi-genomics
datasets. The primary project is lab-based, although opportunities to
travel to the US Pacific coast for field work may arise. Opportunities to
contribute to other projects are welcome and encouraged if they fit within
the scope of the project and utilize model systems already established
in the lab.  The selected applicant will be expected to contribute to
mentoring students in the lab, including collaborating with graduate
students and leading undergraduate research projects.

Project specifics: While it is well established that phenotypes can be
influenced by epigenetics and the microbiome, emerging evidence shows
that microbes can directly influence the host epigenome and vice versa,
contributing an additional axis of variation affecting phenotypes. While
the individual impacts of the microbiome on the host phenotypes are
thoroughly studied, there remains a critical gap in knowledge as
to how microbes and host epigenetics influence each other, and more
broadly, how this additional axis of variation can influence larger scale
processes of adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. The purple sea urchin,
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, has large range spanning Baja, Mexico
to Alaska, with limited population structure due to the long dispersal
distances of their planktonic larvae, but evidence of local adaptation to
pH. Further, they exhibit one of the best studied examples of adaptive
phenotypic plasticity, morphological extension of the arms in response
to low food availability. In addition to being a well poised model to
study adaptive processes in the face of high gene flow and phenotypic
plasticity, S. purpuratus has been used for decades as a model organism
in developmental biology due to its unique evolutionary position as
a deuterostome invertebrate, a highly characterized immune response
that is homologous to vertebrates, well described genomic resources,
and a transparent larval stage that enables easily trackable cell
biology. Our goal for this five-year project is to use S. purpuratus to
study the relative roles of microbes and the epigenome on molecular and
morphological phenotypes and how they contribute to adaptive processes
and phenotypic plasticity.

Duration: The postdoc researcher position will be for 2 years, subject
to annual performance review and merit-based salary increases. Salary is
based on NIH guidelines. The position can be extended for up to 4 years,
depending on progress. Start date is flexible between May-December 2026
and to be negotiated with the PI. Our university does not allow remote
positions, and they will not be considered.

Qualifications: The applicants must have a PhD in a biology-related field
(cell, molecular, evolution, or closely related fields). Expertise in
genomics analyses, molecular biology, and evolution is essential. Prior
experience with marine invertebrate husbandry and larval culturing is
preferred but can be learned. Ideal candidates will have experience with
at least some of the following: microscopy, bioinformatics, developmental
biology techniques, and molecular biology.

Applications should be submitted via email in a single PDF containing
the following:

 1.  A cover letter summarizing the applicant's suitability for the
     project and interests in the lab.
 2.  A statement of past research achievements and relevant skill sets
 3.  The applicant's CV
 4.  A copy of two key publications or submitted manuscripts/preprints
 5.  Contacts for 3 references, who will be contacted when a candidate
     makes the short list.

Please use this link to apply:
https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/TAMU_External/job/College-Station-TX/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R-091783-1
Applications received by April 30 will receive first consideration, but
the position will remain open until filled. Please direct questions or
inquiries into more specifics on the project to Dr. Strader.

Marie Strader, PhD (she/her)
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Texas A&M University
https://straderlab.com/

"Strader, Marie" <mstrader@tamu.edu>

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