Postdoctoral Researcher (Contingent II)

Department:

BSU Natural Sciences, JM

Position Type:

Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Open Date:

10-15-2025

Close Date:

$68,000-$72,000

Job Description:

Work on a project investigating the effects of bat seed dispersal on plant microbiomes and pathogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems.

Responsibilities:

The Priscila Chaverri Mycology Lab in the Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University (BSU), invites applications for a Contingent II to join a project investigating the effects of bat seed dispersal on plant microbiomes and pathogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems. This interdisciplinary project combines microbial ecology (fungal and bacterial), plant-microbe-animal interactions, and plant pathology. The postdoc will contribute to all phases of the research, including: microbial community profiling using high-throughput sequencing (ITS, 16S), bioinformatic analysis, greenhouse-based seedling monitoring and microbiome tracking, fieldwork and sample processing in Costa Rica (frequent travel required), mentoring undergraduate and Master’s students at BSU, and assisting in developing and teaching undergraduate courses and Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).

Minimum Qualifications:

microbiology, bird or bat mist-netting and handling, microbiome analysis, bioinformatics (e.g., R), fieldwork, ecological/microbial community analysis, research paper writing and publication,

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in biology, microbiology, ecology, plant pathology, plant sciences, or a related field (by time of appointment).
• Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and microbiome analysis.
• Experience handling bats or similar animals (e.g., birds)
• Willingness and ability to do fieldwork and travel to Costa Rica multiple times per year

Other:

• Interest and experience in undergraduate teaching and mentorship
• Field research experience
• Experience in ecology, fungal, bacterial, or plant-associated microbiomes
• Previous research experience (e.g., postdoctoral)

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave and annual leave; 10 paid holidays per year, tuition remission and supplemental retirement

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students.