Postdoctoral Research Associate, Distel Laboratory

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Distel Laboratory at Northeastern University's Marine Science Center seeks a postdoctoral researcher to take a leading role in a research program that explores the interactions between wood-eating teredinid bivalves (commonly known as shipworms) and their intracellular bacterial endosymbionts. Shipworms offer an exceptional model system for studying symbiont acquisition and intracellular infection, as both the hosts and their symbionts can be cultured in the laboratory. Their symbionts are a rich source of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which are essential for the degradation and valorization of recalcitrant plant polysaccharides, including lignocellulose. The symbiont genomes also encode a diverse range of antimicrobials and antibiotics that likely play key roles in shaping and defending their symbiotic niche. Hence, the shipworm symbiotic model system has relevance to beneficial and pathogenic infection, drug discovery, microbial ecology and community assembly, lignocellulose degradation, and renewable energy research.

The current project aims to advance understanding of symbiont acquisition and host-symbiont interaction at the ecological, molecular, physiological, and ultrastructural levels by tracing the acquisition of wild-type and genetically modified symbionts and exploring their interactions with the host using microscopic, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic methods.

The Distel lab is located at Northeastern University’s Marine Science Center (MSC) in Nahant, Massachusetts, on Boston’s beautiful North Shore. The MSC and the Distel lab are dedicated to creating a welcoming, interactive, dynamic, and non-discriminatory workplace that advances knowledge and offers opportunities for all. The anticipated term of the appointment is 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The appointment is available to start at or before the beginning of 2026.

The College of Science aims to align postdoctoral salaries with the NIH recommended Post-Graduate Year (PGY) levels whenever funding allows. The salary for this position is $62,232, and may vary based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will (1) use microbiological, physiological, ecological, and molecular techniques to study host-symbiont interactions in the shipworm symbiotic model system, (2) design and conduct experiments and analyze results as part of a structured research program created in cooperation with the lead PI, (3) maintain laboratory cultures of shipworms and bacterial symbionts for use in research, and (4) interact with a network of established collaborators at other institutions. Limited field research may also be possible. 

• Lead and support the authorship and preparation of research papers and grant proposals. 

• Help supervise and train student research assistants. 

• Assist with the general management of the Distel laboratory. 

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology, or a related biological discipline is required.
• Candidates should also have knowledge in one or more of the following areas: molecular biology, genomics/metagenomics, bioinformatics, microbiology, microbial ecology, invertebrate zoology, and symbiosis.
• Candidates must be capable of conducting substantial full-time research and scholarship under the guidance of a senior scholar.

Preferred experience/skills:

• Proficiency in basic molecular biology or genetic engineering techniques.
• Proficiency in basic bioinformatics and microbial genomics/metagenomics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a team and serve as a mentor to both graduate and undergraduate students.
• Knowledge of core concepts in microbiology, microbial physiology, and microbial ecology.
• Experience in microbial cultivation and sterile technique. Experience with invertebrate culture is a plus.
• Experience with various microscopy techniques, such as fluorescent in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy, microCT, and electron microscopy.
• Ability to SCUBA dive within the AAUS framework is a plus.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.