*Research Topics:
Coevolution; Genomics; Microbiome; Wild Rodents; Bioinformatics; GWAS

*Location:
Suzuki Lab
Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes
Arizona State University, Tempe campus

*Description:
The Suzuki Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our NIH-funded
project on mammal-microbial coevolution. We use wild rodents from the
Arizona Sky Islands as a model to investigate the host genetic basis of
microbiome variation and its impact on mammalian biology.

Understanding the genetic drivers and transmission patterns of complex
mammalian microbiomes is a fundamental question in the ecology and
evolution of mammals and their microbes. Host genetic variation
has been associated with gut microbiome variation (phylosymbiosis)
(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.15139), and host
species and populations often harbor distinct microbial strains that
parallel host evolutionary history (host-microbial codiversification)
(https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm7759). However,
the extent, mechanisms, and health implications of host-microbial
phylosymbiosis and codiversification remain unresolved.

The goals of this project are to (1) generate population genomic data from
multiple rodent species across multiple Arizona Sky Islands, (2) test
host-microbial phylosymbiosis and codiversification within and between
rodent species, and (3) identify host genomic regions associated with
microbial compositional and strain-level variation. We currently have
500+ host tissue samples ready for sequencing and paired gut microbiome
data from two mountains. We are expanding to additional mountains,
sampling other tissue types (oral, skin, vaginal), and launching captive
experiments with three species of deer mice (Peromyscus spp.). This
work is conducted in collaboration with Nathan Upham (ASU), Brett Pasch
(University of Arizona), and Lauren Petrullo (University of Arizona).

The postdoc will directly engage in projects within the scope of this
program and is encouraged to develop independent questions using the
system and samples to advance understanding of the ecology and evolution
of animal hosts, microbes, or their interactions.

*Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Genomics, Phylogenetics, Population Genetics, Computational
  Biology, Metagenomics, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field
- Demonstrated record of publications in related areas
- Research experience generating or analyzing large-scale genomic data;
  experience with Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) or similar
  approaches is ideal
- Enthusiasm for working with non-model mammalian genomes and
  integrating microbiome data
- Microbiome analysis experience is not required

*Position:
- Fully funded by NIH MIRA
- The position is expected to last 2-3 years, with possible extensions
- Competitive salary following NIH guidelines
- Ideal start date: Spring 2026 (flexible)

*How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter (including a brief description
of relevant experience and research interests) to Taichi Suzuki
(taichi.suzuki@asu.edu).

*Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until November 15, 2025.

*Contact:
Taichi Suzuki, Ph.D.
College of Health Solutions
Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ, USA
Email: taichi.suzuki@asu.edu
Website: https://www.taichilab.org/

Taichi.Suzuki@asu.edu

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