Job Description

Posting Number

req24493

Department

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Department Website Link

www.petrullolab.com

Location

Main Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Petrullo Lab within the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology invites two Postdoctoral Researchers to join our NIH-funded study of the relationship between stress physiology and the gut microbiome in wild rodents. The overarching goal of this project are to use field-based experimental manipulations in wild animals to elucidate connections between ecological stimuli of the host HPA axis (e.g., population density, food availability) and downstream changes in gut microbiome communities. Other goals include: 1) identify precise microbial traits that respond to activation of the host HPA axis, including changes in microbe-microbe interactions, 2) investigate immune mechanisms mediating host-microbe responses, and 3) begin linking these mechanisms to host health and fitness outcomes.



The Postdoctoral Researchers will be involved in field work, wet lab work, bioinformatics, and other project management roles related to this work. They will also have the opportunity to develop their own independent research questions and projects using these and other data related to host-microbe interactions within an ecological and evolutionary context.


Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!



The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Writing and submission of manuscripts. Participation in ongoing research projects. Organizing and performing relevant wet lab work including microbial DNA extractions, hormone and immune assays. Development and execution of bioinformatic pipelines to analyze microbiome data. Fieldwork including the trapping and handling of small mammals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Enthusiasm for joining a fast-growing and multi-disciplinary lab. Excellent leadership, communication, and collaborative skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated record of publications in related areas. Prior fieldwork experience, especially working with small mammals. Research/professional experience with bioinformatic approaches relevant to microbiome analyses.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

2

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Dr. Lauren Petrullo


Assistant Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

laurenpetrullo@arizona.edu

Open Date

11/18/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.


Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.