Job Details

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

PBRC POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (ANIMAL MICROBIOMES) – ID# 225532. 

CLOSING DATE: October 16, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). INQUIRIES:  Andrea Jani 808-956-7827 (Oahu). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Pacific Biosciences Research Center, located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $5,000 - $6,250/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Develops and leads projects to advance our understanding of the function, stability, and species interactions of animal microbiomes, primarily using Drosophila flies as model organisms. Coordinates with lab staff, students, and collaborators to develop and execute said projects. Conducts extensive laboratory research with Drosophila flies and their microbiota. Using Drosophila, conducts high throughput infection screens to identify new fly pathogens, and infection experiments to understand infection dynamics, transmission, and interactions among host, pathogen, and microbiota. Measures effects of infection and environmental stress on holobiont phenotypes, such as fecundity, behavior, survival, immune response, and changes in the microbiome. Expands field work approaches, through familiarization with local sites and species and consultation with collaborators, to develop question-driven field surveys and field experiments that complement the group`s laboratory experiment-based projects. Prepares applications for state, federal, and local collection permits and access permits as needed. Independently operates laboratory equipment. Works with SOEST core facilities to safely and proficiently use imaging equipment and shared microbiological facilities such as high throughput microbial isolation equipment. Leads bioinformatic and statistical analyses of microbial metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, high throughput amplicon, and host genomic data. Applies these analyses to answer questions about microbial community stability, function, and holobiont response to environmental stress. Leads in writing high quality scientific manuscripts to disseminate research findings. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

PhD from an accredited college or university Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Entomology or related field. (PhD candidates may apply but must submit evidence of PhD completion upon hire).

EXPERIENCE

One to three (1-3) years of experience in microbial ecology, including demonstrated experience designing, executing, and analyzing empirical studies. This includes extensive experience in molecular/microbiology laboratory approaches, bioinformatics, metagenomics, and statistical analyses. Experience planning and conducting field work under strenuous conditions. Demonstrated experience successfully preparing manuscripts for peer-review.

KNOWLEDGE

Strong proficiency and knowledge of experimental design, molecular biology, microbiology, field safety, bioinformatics, and statistics. Extensive knowledge of quantitative analytical methods and scripting in R. Thorough understanding of prevailing laboratory methods, such as nucleic acids handling, amplification, and sequencing, sterile technique, and microbial isolation, identification, and culture.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to execute complicated laboratory experiments safely and effectively. Familiarity with or strong desire to gain experience working with flies and their associated bacteria and fungi. Ability to work in a team as well as independently. Strong communication and scientific writing skills. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) and all required safety trainings within four (4) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.  

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to conduct field work in remote locations under demanding physical conditions (hot, humid, rainy weather, muddy trail conditions, few trail markers). 

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings.   Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:   

Experience working with Drosophila flies under laboratory or field conditions, in a research setting. Demonstrated record of leading the completion and publication of project results.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH`s Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. 

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.