We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will be responsible for conducting phylogenomic analyses of microbial genomes with the aim of reconstructing the expansion of microbial metabolisms and functions through Earth history. The particular focus of this project will be on the characterization of microbial metabolism and function over time in deep-sea and hydrothermal vent microbial communities. The successful candidate will be an independent, self-directed scholar with a strong background in bioinformatics analysis and an interest in interdisciplinary research. The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for conducting phylogenetics and comparative genomics analysis, with some potential for metabolic modelling of microbial ecosystems.

Hydrothermal vents have long been thought to have played a pivotal role in the origin and early evolution of life on Earth, and it is conceivable that they were also critical for maintaining habitability over the past four billion years by providing essential nutrients to the marine biosphere. The aim of this project is to explore microbial genomes to reconstruct the evolution of metabolic function and nutrient limitation over time in Earth history, particularly in thermophilic organisms. A primary focus of the project is on nutrient availability in hydrothermal systems, specifically targeting reduced phosphorus and nitrogen species. An important goal of this project is to identify the likely energetic and nutrient limits to primary production in hydrothermal ecosystems on the early Earth based on both the genomic record and the rock record.

The project is fully funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) in the UK. It will be carried out under joint supervision between Dr Eva Stueeken at the University of St Andrews, UK, and Dr Rika Anderson at Carleton College, USA. The postdoctoral researcher would be based at St Andrews and join the research group of PI Eva Stueeken but stay in regular contact with project partner Rika Anderson through virtual and in-person meetings.

The postdoctoral researcher would join a dynamic cohort of researchers in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences and have the opportunity to join the St Andrews Centre for Exoplanet Sciences (StACES). It is expected that the results produced from this project would be presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Rika Anderson (randerson@carleton.edu) or Dr Eva Stueeken (ees4@st-andrews.ac.uk)

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in academic posts at the University.

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through accreditation (Athena SWAN; Carer Positive; Stonewall, LGBT and Race Charters), as listed on: http://www.st- andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

School of Earth & Environmental Sciences
Salary: £33,797 - £36,914 per annum
Fixed Term: 3 years
Start: 1 November 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter