Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Soil Microbiome)

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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The expected salary range is CAD $60,000–$70,000 per year plus benefits (and may increase with fellowship awards), commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Plant-Soil Microbiome Ecology and Innovation Lab, led by Dr. Zelalem Taye at the University of British Columbia, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to support a collaborative project focused on mapping soil microbial biodiversity across forest and agricultural ecosystems in British Columbia. The position will be in the Applied Biology Program in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (www.landfood.ubc.ca) at the UBC Vancouver Point Grey campus. This is a full-time position for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding. The position will start as soon as possible.

Soil biodiversity is critical to ecosystem productivity, resilience, and land stewardship, yet it remains underrepresented in land-use and conservation decision-making. This project will generate soil microbiome data, support protocol harmonization, and work with land stewards, researchers, and community partners to advance applied soil biodiversity knowledge.

The successful candidate will contribute to field, laboratory, analytical, and coordination activities. Duties may include:

• Perform other related duties in support of the project and the lab.

• Lead and coordinate research projects in collaboration with the supervisor, including defining research methodologies, preparing proposals, and coordinating with external collaborators.

• Coordinate and conduct sample collection and processing for soil microbiome analysis.

• Perform DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing-library preparation support, and related molecular laboratory workflows.

• Organize, maintain, and document field and laboratory metadata, sample inventories, and project records.

• Analyze amplicon and/or metagenomic sequencing data using appropriate bioinformatics, statistical, and visualization workflows.

• Support the development, testing, and harmonization of field, laboratory, and data-analysis protocols.

• Contribute to reports, manuscripts, presentations, and knowledge-sharing materials.

• Assist with day-to-day lab organization, equipment use, ordering, and coordination of project activities.

• Support and mentor undergraduate and graduate students involved in related research activities.

• Liaise with project collaborators, land stewards, and community partners as appropriate.

• Pursue creative research ideas aligned with the candidate’s interests and the broader goals of the lab.

Candidates must hold a PhD in Soil Science, Plant Science, Microbiology, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field, with a strong publication record.  We are seeking applicants with a strong background in microbiome research, microbial ecology, genomics, bioinformatics, soil science, or related fields. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively both independently and in a team environment. We are seeking a creative, highly motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience in some or most of the following areas will be considered an asset:

• Soil, plant, environmental, or microbial ecology research.
• DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing workflows, or molecular laboratory methods.
• Amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, bioinformatics, statistics, or programming.
• Field sampling, sample management, and laboratory coordination.
• Data management, reproducible workflows, and scientific communication.

Availability to start immediately is preferred. A valid driver’s licence is preferred.

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF file by email to Dr. Zelalem Taye at [email protected] with the subject line: Soil Microbiome Research Position – Your Name.

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest, relevant experience, suitability for the position, and the position you are applying for.
• A complete CV.
• Contact information for three references.
• For postdoctoral applicants, up to two representative publications or preprints may also be included.

Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Questions about the position may be directed to [email protected] with the subject line Soil Microbiome Research Position.