The MMAR Lab

Marine Microbial Adaptive Responses

Join us!

Future graduate students

We are recruiting!

  • In The MMAR Lab, there will be many opportunities to work developing numerical models, from modeling single cells to plankton food webs, as well as performing empirical work culturing marine microbes in the lab and investigating microbial metabolisms in the field (we are surrounded by water at the Marine Science Institute!).
  • Email me at suzana.leles@utexas.edu with your CV and a personal statement sharing who you are, your research interests, and why you would like to join the lab. Check more about our PhD program at UTMSI here.
  • I am happy to brainstorm research ideas and provide feedback if you would like to apply for your own funding. Potential fellowships that I am aware of include NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (US-citizens only) and Simons Graduate Fellowships in Ecology and Evolution (no citizenship requirements).

Future Postdocs

We are recruiting!

Postdoc position in the The MMAR Lab:

  • Institution: The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (UTMSI):
  • Location: Port Aransas, Texas, USA
  • PI: Dr. Suzana Gonçalves Leles
  • Application deadline: This position will remain open until filled
  • The MMAR Lab is looking for a motivated scientist to join our newly formed group as a postdoctoral scholar! We investigate the underlying mechanisms behind microbial growth strategies in the ocean, scaling from cells to ecosystems. To do that, we combine a range of numerical modeling approaches and empirical data. We ask questions like:
    • 1) How will microbes adapt to a changing climate?
    • 2) What controls microbial trophic strategy and biogeographical patterns?
    • 3) How can cellular trade-offs help constrain biogeochemical rates in the ocean?
    The postdoc candidate will have strong computational experience and be interested in ecological modeling. The postdoc will work developing ecological models that can range in scale, from simulating single-cells to diverse microbial communities. The candidate will also be excited about contributing to the field of microbial oceanography by reducing the gap between ‘omics datasets and ocean models. The MMAR Lab is officially starting in August 2025 and the start date is negotiable. The funding is available for up to 3 years given performance in the first year.
  • Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in oceanography, ecology, computer science or related discipline and strong computational and quantitative skills, such as in data analysis, multivariate statistics, machine learning, proficiency in a programming language, ecosystem modeling, or remote sensing. A general understanding of ecological modeling is desirable, but not required.
  • Work environment: The MMAR Lab is located at UTMSI, by the Gulf of Mexico, in Texas. Beach life in Port Aransas is guaranteed, with easy access to the field and diverse ecosystems. Remote work is a possibility depending on circumstances.
  • Required materials: Please send your CV, letter of interest, a summary of your quantitative background and contact information for three references to Dr. Suzana Gonçalves Leles at suzana.leles@utexas.edu
  • This is a full time position with full benefits.

Future undergraduate students

The lab also welcomes undergraduate researchers!

  • There are remote opportunities for those interested in computational work and in-person opportunities based at UTMSI and for those interested in lab- or field- based approaches.
  • Undergraduate students can also apply through the program Semester by the Sea.