Institution: School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

PI: Dr. Benjamin Peterson

Timeline: Position will start in Fall 2025, as early as September 1st. Initial appointment will be for 12 months, with the option to extend employment based on performance and funding.

Position Description: We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a project entitled Microbial physiology of mercury methylation. This project will focus on using cultures of mercury methylating microorganisms to understand the underlying microbial metabolic pathways that lead to the formation of toxic methylmercury. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment and is expected to engage in the following:

• Cultivate multiple anaerobic bacteria under a range of metabolic conditions.
• Conduct mercury transformation assays using cultured microorganisms.
• Conduct mercury analyses at the USGS Mercury Research Laboratory in Madison, WI.
• Conduct an array of microbiological methods, such as flow cytometry, ATP measurements, metabolite analysis by ion chromatography, and RT-qPCR.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Collaborate with other team members and federal scientists.
• Engage in scientific communication and writing, including preparing manuscripts, contributing to grants, and presenting at conferences.
• Contribute to team science, support fellow group members, and work respectfully in an interdisciplinary and diverse team.
• Commit to carrying out responsible and ethical research.

Required qualifications:

• Experience in microbiology research.
• PhD in microbiology, environmental chemistry, or related field.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.

Additional preferred skills:

• Experience with anaerobic microbial cultivation.
• Experience with mercury analysis or other analytical chemistry background.
• Experience in managing, visualizing, and analyzing data.

How to Apply: Submit your application to this Google Form with your CV and a brief statement on your interest in the position and your relevant skills and experience (maximum 2 pages). Also include a writing sample where you were the primary writer. Review of applications start immediately and will continue until filled.

About the Institution: The School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a unique interdisciplinary environment to pursue research questions in a collaborative and scientifically stimulating environment.

Other information: Learn more about the Peterson Lab: petersonlab.org

We encourage applications from scientists of all backgrounds.