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Dr. P. Dreux Chappell at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science invites applications to fill a bioinformatics position investigating marine metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from samples collected in the Pacific Ocean in conjunction with US GEOTRACES Cruises GP15 and GP17-OCE. This project is collaborative with Dr. Sophie Clayton at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in the UK.

Project Overview:

The overarching goal of the project is to characterize phytoplankton realized niches and nutrient limitation status across the full latitudinal range of the Pacific Ocean using a combination of amplicon sequencing and metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses from samples collected concurrently with trace element and isotope (TEI) data on GEOTRACES cruises GP-15 and GP17-OCE (~1.25 resolution). We will use these field data to construct species distribution models (SDM) to infer the realized niches of oceanic phytoplankton, with a particular focus on micro-nutrients, e.g., dissolved iron (dFe). We will develop and combine 'omics-derived nutrient limitation indices (NLIs) with environmental data to train supervised machine learning (ML) models to extrapolate basin-wide patterns of nutrient limitation status for phytoplankton functional types (PFTs). Our goal is to assess the feasibility of using routinely measured Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) from existing databases and remote-sensing products to produce dynamic maps of PFT-specific NLI using ML models developed as part of this project.

Research Responsibilities:

The focus of the postdoctoral scholar's work will be to analyze metagenomic and metatranscriptomic samples to evaluate nutrient limitation of phytoplankton in the context of environmental data, including macro- and micronutrient concentrations and isotope values collected by other GEOTRACES researchers. Additionally, the postdoctoral scholar will use this information to develop the NLIs and work with the postdoctoral scholar at NOC to use the NLIs and environmental data in training the supervised ML models.

Salary and Start Date:

This position is available as of September 1, but there is flexibility in start date. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. An annual salary of $60,000 plus benefits is budgeted. Initial appointment will be for one year, with re-appointment anticipated for a total of three years. 

Career Development:

The successful candidate will be expected to present research results at national and international scientific meetings, lead the publication of scientific results in a peer-reviewed journal, and be encouraged to participate in the preparation of at least one NSF proposal.  USF has an Office of Postdoctoral Affairs managed by USF Graduate Studies. The postdoctoral researcher will be encouraged to attend workshops/seminars on Developing Individual Development Plan (IDP) and preparing teaching/research statements. 

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in biology, microbiology, cell biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biology, oceanography, marine sciences, or related field at the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated research skills in genomics and/or transcriptomics
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments, Python scripting, and GitHub for version control
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish papers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience analyzing transcriptome and genome data from non-model organisms with poorly annotated genomes.
• Experience working with marine microbe metagenomes/metatranscriptomes.
• Experience with high-performance computing systems.