Future Postdocs

We are recruiting!

Postdoc position in Microbial Ecology (computational):

• 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.
• Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
• 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. This postdoc position is funded by Dr. Leles’s startup funds at UTMSI and thus offer the unique opportunity for the successful candidate to co-develop novel and independent research projects. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to write grants, join collaborations, and work with graduate and undergraduate students. The MMAR Lab is highly cooperative, encourages collaboration with other faculty, students, and staff, and looks for members that are supportive and promote an inclusive professional culture.
• Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in oceanography, ecology, computer science or related discipline, proficiency in a programming language, and strong computational and quantitative skills, such as in data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, numerical modeling, or remote sensing. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the appointment. The candidate will also have strong written and oral communication skills and will be collaborative and enthusiastic about science.
• 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, a letter of interest, 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 Postdocs

We are recruiting!

Postdoc position in Coastal Ecosystem Modeling:

• 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. Start date is negotiable but ideally not later than January 2026.
• Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
• The MMAR Lab is looking for a motivated scientist to join our newly formed group as a postdoctoral scholar. The position focuses on microbial ecology, ecosystem modeling, and ocean-estuarine dynamics. This project is part of a bigger collaboration with other faculty at UTMSI funded through the Texas Gulf Coast Research Center and aims to develop a novel ecosystem model for an estuarine-ocean exchange region in the Gulf Coast. Broadly, this project seeks to answer the following question: How do primary producers and microbial metabolisms drive spatial and temporal variations in nutrient cycling, organic matter dynamics, and trophic interactions?
  The postdoc will have the opportunity to work interdisciplinary with researchers with expertise in oceanography, biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, fish biology and ecology, and ecotoxicology. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in field campaigns if desirable. The MMAR Lab is highly cooperative, encourages collaboration with other faculty, students, and staff, and looks for members that are supportive and promote an inclusive professional culture. The postdoc candidate will have strong computational experience, will work developing an ecosystem model, and will also have the opportunity to collaborate in other research projects led by the MMAR Lab. The candidate is highly encouraged to develop the ecosystem model towards their own research questions and interests and apply for their own funding if desirable. The funding is available for up to 2 years given performance in the first year.
• Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in oceanography, ecology, computer science or related discipline, proficiency in a programming language, and strong computational and quantitative skills, such as in data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, numerical modeling, or remote sensing. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the appointment. The candidate will also have strong written and oral communication skills and will be collaborative and enthusiastic about science.
• 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, 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.