Applications are solicited for a postdoctoral fellow position in Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia. The candidate will work as a member in Dr. Peiying Hong’s group (Environmental Microbial Safety and Biotechnology Lab). The research in this group is motivated by the need to address water scarcity through the use of treated wastewater. The group focuses on activities related to two main areas, namely microbial safety and anaerobic biotechnologies as a sustainable form of wastewater treatment.
The group at KAUST has a collaborative project with NoorDx (a start-up clinical diagnostics company from KAUST) and Ginkgo Bioworks (headquartered in Boston, US). The project is a pilot project and aims to demonstrate proof-of-concept that wastewater surveillance and clinical swab diagnostics can complement to deter unwanted dissemination of microbial threats. The unique aspect of this project is that sampling will be performed on international travelers flying in-and-out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (KSA). Jeddah Airport is the main port of entry for international pilgrims coming into KSA throughout the year, and such study can provide a good perspective on how international travel can lead to unintended dissemination of diseases.
Applicants should have a strong background in environmental bioinformatics and microbial biology (bacteria and/or viruses), with experience in handling large datasets (i.e., metagenomics and metatranscriptomics) derived from various sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, MGI, Nanopore). The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering or Bioinformatics or related field. The candidate should possess strong scientific analytical and logic thinking skills, demonstrate ability to generate innovative scientific questions, possess good communication skills in both written and oral English and can work collegially in a diverse team.
Postdoc compensation at KAUST is highly competitive globally. Health insurance, free housing and yearly round-trip air tickets to the home country of the postdoc are provided. The initial appointment will be for one year, with possibility of renewals for subsequent years. The position is available immediately until filled.
Interested persons should send an application letter that details their CV, research interests, names and contact information of at least 3 references to Dr. Peiying Hong (email: peiying.hong@kaust.edu.sa). Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.