Hero Image

AnitaB.org Talent Network

Connecting women in tech with the best professional opportunities!

Postdoctoral Researcher - Microbial Systems Biology

Syracuse University

Syracuse University

Posted on Apr 7, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Details
Job # 078721
Job Title Postdoctoral Researcher – Microbial Systems Biology
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $63,000 - $70,000
Pay Determination
Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Determined by supervisor.
Job Type Full-time
Rank Post Doc
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Oliverio Lab at Syracuse University is seeking a creative postdoctoral researcher to lead research on experimental evolution and strain diversity in synthetic microbiomes. We sit at the interface of microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, and systems biology, and we use an integrated toolkit including metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, enrichment culturing, and synthetic community experiments to understand how microbial communities assemble, adapt, and function.

Our lab uses sourdough starter microbiomes as tractable models for studying microbial evolution and intra-species diversity. The postdoc will design and execute ecological and evolution experiments in defined microbial consortia, characterize strain-level genomic and functional variation across community members, and connect evolutionary change and strain diversity to emergent community phenotypes. There is also opportunity to integrate computational experiments (for example, with genome-scale metabolic modeling). This work is supported by an NIH R35 MIRA award.

This postdoctoral position is fully funded for up to three years with an initial 12-month appointment subject to renewal. Specific research goals will be developed in collaboration with the principal investigator, with extensive opportunity for scientific independence and to pursue research areas and projects that are aligned with the interests and expertise of the postdoc.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field, conferred by the time of appointment.
  • Track record of research demonstrated through publications and/or other significant research accomplishments.
Job Specific Qualifications
  • Experience designing or executing experimental evolution or microbiome experiments.
  • Proficiency in bioinformatics approaches for multi-omics data.
  • Familiarity with genome-scale metabolic modeling or related computational approaches.
  • Familiarity with microbial culturing and microbiome experiments.
  • Strong quantitative skillset and desire to work across wet lab and computational approaches.
  • Excellent written and oral communication, organized, and detail oriented.
  • Enthusiasm for developing new research directions and working in a collaborative and intellectual environment.
Responsibilities
  • Design research projects, execute experiments, and analyze data related to microbial ecology, evolution, and systems biology.
  • Write manuscripts, conference abstracts, and fellowship proposals (as relevant).
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
  • Attend conferences, workshops, and other relevant professional development opportunities.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and contact information for three references.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/112709
Job Posting Date 04/06/2026
Application Deadline
Open Until Filled Yes
Priority Consideration
Job Category Faculty
Message to Applicants

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Reference List
Optional Documents
  1. Other Document

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
    • Syracuse University HR Recruiter
    • Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
    • SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
    • Women’s Opportunity Center
    • Jubilee Homes
    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center
    • Interfaith Works
    • JobPlus
    • Syracuse.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Indeed.com
    • DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
    • LinkedIn Job Posting
    • Facebook
    • Job Fair
    • Search Firm
    • Referred by an SU Employee
    • Other
  2. If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.

    (Open Ended Question)