Postdoctoral Fellow in Microbiology

University of Alberta

Description

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of one year.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Renewable Resources Department

The Renewable Resources Department is the home of the forestry and soil science scientific community for better management, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems and landscapes. The department’s undergraduate and professional master's programs in forestry are nationally accredited, and graduate student research and faculty scholarship is world-class. Faculty, students, and research associates in the Department benefit from collaborative relationships with provincial and federal government agencies and Alberta’s industry. Through diverse research partners, we use integrated, multidisciplinary approaches and maintain strong ties with land and natural resource managers.  We offer innovative teaching, enhancing our students' experience with laboratory, field, and off-campus learning environments. Many of our staff and faculty have won awards from the faculty, the university and other organizations for their outstanding efforts. 

Position Summary

The successful candidate will work on a research project related to the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons under anaerobic conditions. 

Duties 

The research work includes:

  • Conduct experiments with microbial cultures
  • Perform chemical and molecular analyses of environmental samples
  • Apply next-generation sequencing approaches to obtain ‘omics’ data
  • Deliver bioinformatics analyses to comprehend hydrocarbon biodegradation pathways under different redox conditions. 

Qualifications

  • The applicant should have a PhD in Petroleum Microbiology or any related discipline
  • Experience in environmental microbiology (with main focus on petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation), molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, primer design, functional genes analyses, etc.), and bioinformatics analyses (data processing, statistical analysis and visualization).
  • A high level of effective organizational, personal initiative skills, and experience in writing project proposals and research papers are required for this position.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

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

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 30, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.