Postdoctoral Scholar in Biology (Tufts University)

Overview The Tufts Department of Biology is dedicated to providing our students a unified and comprehensive view of biological processes, as well as opportunities for undergraduates to actively participate in cutting-edge biological research in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, plant ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology. The Department of Biology maintains an active research and teaching program on the Medford campus and in various field locales, and trains and advises graduate and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows. Position Title Postdoctoral Fellow – Ecology and Evolution of the Vaginal Microbiome Laboratory and Department The Hussain Laboratory Department of Biology Tufts University Position Description The Hussain Laboratory at Tufts University is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and enthusiastic full-time postdoctoral fellow to study the ecology and evolution of the vaginal microbiome using wet lab and/or computational approaches. Our research focuses on phage–bacteria and bacteria–bacteria interactions, and how these ecological forces shape the fine-scale genomic diversity of community members. We also investigate the evolution of commensal organisms, like L. crispatus, over time in diverse human subjects using observational cohorts and through clinical trial data from medical collaborations. An ideal candidate will be able to independently lead the genomic and metagenomic analyses for their own project and will be genuinely excited to collaborate—both within the lab and with our broader network of partners. They will help strengthen the supportive culture of the lab, which values rigor, humor, and clear communication. Across all projects, there will be opportunities to mentor undergraduates, technicians, and PhD students, and we are looking for someone who is eager to talk science, share ideas, and teach. We welcome applicants who are primarily computational: the lab has multiple fully computational projects using existing genomic, metagenomic, and longitudinal microbiome datasets, making this position an excellent fit for candidates with biological training who have transitioned into computational work. Responsibilities Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments and/or computational analyses Lead genomic, metagenomic, and comparative genomic analyses using existing or newly-generated datasets Develop and optimize laboratory protocols (if applicable) and help train and mentor new lab members Visualize and interpret results for publications, presentations, and grant applications Maintain accurate records and communicate findings to the PI and team Order supplies, maintain specialized equipment (as relevant), and assist with lab organization Apply for postdoctoral funding with support from the PI Note: Because we are a new lab, we expect the Postdoc—who will be the most senior member of the group—to contribute to lab management and help establish workflows, best practices, and lab culture. Qualifications PhD (near completion is ok) in biology, microbiology, biological engineering, computational biology, systems biology, or a related field Experience with both wet lab and computational (dry lab) projects Strong interest in teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills Ability to coordinate multiple projects and work effectively in a shared, open-lab space Position Details Start date: as early as January 2026; open until filled Appointment: Initial one-year appointment with potential extension based on funding and performance Career development: Opportunity to tailor the position to career goals, whether toward industry, academia, or teaching Environment The Hussain Laboratory values diversity, inclusivity, and fostering an environment where professional growth and varied career paths are supported. We are located in a newly renovated research space on Tufts University’s Medford, MA campus. What We’re Looking For Basic Requirements Recent PhD degree in microbiology, biological engineering, or similar field with both wet lab and computational experience (ratio can vary – e.g., 40% wet lab + 60% dry lab completely acceptable) Fluency in python, R, and command line interface Expertise with PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, molecular cloning Expertise with 16s rRNA amplicon library preparation and analysis Experience with genomic and metagenomic tools Preferred Qualifications Specific experience with anaerobic microbiology and phage assays Experience using REDCap Experience teaching and mentoring in classroom and laboratory settings Special Work Schedule Requirements Will work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials, human vaginal fluids. Need to adhere to proper safety procedures. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Pay Range Minimum: $65,000.00 Midpoint: $65,000.00 Maximum: $65,000.00 Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Overview

The Tufts Department of Biology is dedicated to providing our students a unified and comprehensive view of biological processes, as well as opportunities for undergraduates to actively participate in cutting-edge biological research in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, plant ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology. The Department of Biology maintains an active research and teaching program on the Medford campus and in various field locales, and trains and advises graduate and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral fellows.

Position Title

Postdoctoral Fellow – Ecology and Evolution of the Vaginal Microbiome

Laboratory and Department

The Hussain Laboratory
Department of Biology
Tufts University

Position Description

The Hussain Laboratory at Tufts University is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and enthusiastic full-time postdoctoral fellow to study the ecology and evolution of the vaginal microbiome using wet lab and/or computational approaches. Our research focuses on phage–bacteria and bacteria–bacteria interactions, and how these ecological forces shape the fine-scale genomic diversity of community members. We also investigate the evolution of commensal organisms, like L. crispatus, over time in diverse human subjects using observational cohorts and through clinical trial data from medical collaborations.

An ideal candidate will be able to independently lead the genomic and metagenomic analyses for their own project and will be genuinely excited to collaborate—both within the lab and with our broader network of partners. They will help strengthen the supportive culture of the lab, which values rigor, humor, and clear communication. Across all projects, there will be opportunities to mentor undergraduates, technicians, and PhD students, and we are looking for someone who is eager to talk science, share ideas, and teach.

We welcome applicants who are primarily computational: the lab has multiple fully computational projects using existing genomic, metagenomic, and longitudinal microbiome datasets, making this position an excellent fit for candidates with biological training who have transitioned into computational work.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments and/or computational analyses
Lead genomic, metagenomic, and comparative genomic analyses using existing or newly-generated datasets
Develop and optimize laboratory protocols (if applicable) and help train and mentor new lab members
Visualize and interpret results for publications, presentations, and grant applications
Maintain accurate records and communicate findings to the PI and team
Order supplies, maintain specialized equipment (as relevant), and assist with lab organization
Apply for postdoctoral funding with support from the PI

Note: Because we are a new lab, we expect the Postdoc—who will be the most senior member of the group—to contribute to lab management and help establish workflows, best practices, and lab culture.

Qualifications

PhD (near completion is ok) in biology, microbiology, biological engineering, computational biology, systems biology, or a related field
Experience with both wet lab and computational (dry lab) projects
Strong interest in teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research
Excellent communication skills, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and work effectively in a shared, open-lab space

Position Details

Start date: as early as January 2026; open until filled
Appointment: Initial one-year appointment with potential extension based on funding and performance
Career development: Opportunity to tailor the position to career goals, whether toward industry, academia, or teaching

Environment

The Hussain Laboratory values diversity, inclusivity, and fostering an environment where professional growth and varied career paths are supported. We are located in a newly renovated research space on Tufts University’s Medford, MA campus.

What We’re Looking For

Basic Requirements

Recent PhD degree in microbiology, biological engineering, or similar field with both wet lab and computational experience (ratio can vary – e.g., 40% wet lab + 60% dry lab completely acceptable)
Fluency in python, R, and command line interface
Expertise with PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing library preparation, molecular cloning
Expertise with 16s rRNA amplicon library preparation and analysis
Experience with genomic and metagenomic tools

Preferred Qualifications

Specific experience with anaerobic microbiology and phage assays
Experience using REDCap
Experience teaching and mentoring in classroom and laboratory settings

Special Work Schedule Requirements

Will work with and be exposed to hazardous chemicals and materials, human vaginal fluids.

Need to adhere to proper safety procedures. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay Range

Minimum: $65,000.00
Midpoint: $65,000.00
Maximum: $65,000.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

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