Postdoctoral Position in Non-human Primate Nutrition and the Gut Microbiome

The Amato Lab in the Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, is looking for a PhD-trained scholar to fill a post-doctoral position. The position is part of a funded NSF grant titled “IntBIO: Integrative Wildlife Nutrition: From Molecules and Microbes to Macro-Ecology.” The research focuses on using a systems biology approach to understand the nutrition of wild non-human primates. The scholar would work primarily with Katie Amato and Rosemary Braun at Northwestern, but extensive collaboration with Jessica Rothman (Hunter College), Erin Vogel (Rutgers University), and Liz Johnson (Cornell University) is expected. The position will start in Fall 2023 and will last two years. It may be possible to extend the position in some capacity beyond the period of NSF funding, although this is less certain.

Responsibilities include analyzing behavior, microbiome, and physiology data as well as processing human and non-human primate fecal samples in the laboratory. However, the majority of the time is expected to be spent on data analysis. There will be opportunities to visit the field sites in Uganda and Borneo as well as the labs of Rothman, Vogel, and Johnson.

We are looking for a researcher with strong computational and statistical training, with a specialty in microbiome data analysis. The applicant should be comfortable working with big datasets across multiple scales of biology. Familiarity with behavioral data analysis will also be helpful. Strong knowledge of R software is required. Molecular wet laboratory experience, ideally in DNA extraction and PCR, is preferred. The applicant should be eager to engage in interdisciplinary research and learn new skills. The applicant should be an effective writer and should be prepared to take advantage of opportunities as first author and co-author on publications. Ph.D. should be awarded before the start date.

To apply, please provide a CV, a brief statement describing research experience and interests (500 word maximum), a writing sample, and the names of three references to Katie Amato (katherine.amato@northwestern.edu). Applications will be received until 5/1/2023.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.