The College of Sciences is a diverse academic institution encompassing eight academic departments, eight joint doctoral programs, and a multitude of academic program areas. Additionally, it houses the California State University Program, the Education and Research in Biotechnology program, the Coastal Waters Institute, the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, the Molecular Biology Institute, and off-campus sites including the San Diego State University Field Stations and the Mt. Laguna Observatory. Within its ranks, the College boasts a dedicated faculty comprising over 260 full and part-time members, along with a support staff of 80 clerical and technical employees. Their interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing both teaching and research.

Leading the College is the Dean, who is assisted by two Associate Deans, an Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, a Resource Manager, and administrative support personnel. The Dean's Office takes responsibility for overseeing all facets of the College's operations, including the initiation, execution, and ongoing support of instructional and research initiatives, as well as planning for the College's future.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Postdoctoral Researcher

We seek a highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct independent and collaborative research in microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology while advancing professional development toward research independence.

Under supervision of an SDSU Faculty member, this position is intended to provide mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence in the Post Doc's academic discipline.

The Zuniga laboratory studies how bacteria interact with animals at the molecular level and translates these discoveries into new biotechnologies for environmental restoration and therapeutic applications. Lab members will benefit greatly from the opportunity to immerse themselves in the research goals and everyday laboratory experiments. Research activities may include technology development and translation of laboratory discoveries toward practical environmental biotechnology applications.

Examples of Post Doc responsibilities include assisting in data collection, management, analysis and dissemination; conducting highly specialized and advanced experiments; designing research protocols; summarizing research findings; mentoring undergraduate/graduate students; leading data collection expeditions in the field; preparing manuscripts, attending conferences and presenting at conferences; Work may be performed in the field or in a laboratory setting.

Duration of appointment is two years, with possible extension contingent on performance and funding. 

Please submit all of the following materials as your application for this position:

• A cover letter describing your career aspirations, qualifications, and relevant experience.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Up to three representative publications.
• Your contact information (email and phone number).
• Contact information (email and phone number) for up to three professional references

Responsibility 55%

Specific Duties

Research Activities

Design, conduct, and analyze independent and collaborative research projects; collect and interpret data; maintain research records and ensure compliance with research protocols.

Responsibility 15%

Specific Duties

Manuscript & Grant Preparation

Prepare manuscripts for publication, contribute to grant proposals, literature reviews, and research reports.

Responsibility 10%

Specific Duties

Laboratory / Project Management

Maintain laboratory operations, equipment, databases, and research materials; assist with project coordination and regulatory compliance.

Responsibility 10%

Specific Duties

Mentorship & Training

Mentor graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and/or junior staff in research methods and best practices.

Responsibility 5%

Specific Duties

Professional Development & Service

Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, and participate in departmental meetings, committees, and collaborative activities.

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Highly skilled and motivated researcher with demonstrable record of scholarly activity.
• Experience conducting field-based ecology and evolutionary biology research (preferably with reptiles).
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills (this position requires use of R, command line).
• Expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy in the laboratory while working within well-defined research directions.
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Education & Experience:

• Doctoral degree or equivalent in an appropriate field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Ph.D. in related field – biology, ecology, evolutionary biology
• Experience with behavioral ecology, sensory ecology, sexual selection, urban eco-evo.
• Hands-on experience with reptiles in the field and/or lab.
• Familiarity with color analysis, chemical ecology, image analysis, and/or comparative methods.
• Strong attention to detail and reproducibility.

ADDITIONAL APLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.