New

Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Sep 12, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Postdoctoral Associate
Department	Biochemistry & Microbiology
Salary Details	63,968
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Posting Summary	Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Sun has an open Postdoctoral Associate position to investigate how microbial communities shape insect chemosensory systems and behavior. The Sun Lab's work sits at the intersection of microbiology, sensory biology, and molecular mechanisms, asking not just whether microbes alter host behavior, but how- down to the level of receptors and signaling. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Rear and manipulate insects. Design and conduct rigorous behavioral experiments. Conduct research at the intersection of microbiology, sensory biology, and molecular mechanisms. Investigate mechanisms underlying microbial effects on host behavior at the level of receptors and signaling. Apply biochemical and microbial approaches to behavioral observations. Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate students This is a grant funded position, continuation of employment in this position is contingent upon adequate grant funds.
Position Status	Full Time
Posting Number	26FA0741
Posting Open Date
Posting Close Date

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A PhD in entomology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field. Experience in insect chemosensation. Experience with mechanistic, molecular, or metabolite-level approaches. Experience with microbiome methods, including amplicon or shotgun sequencing. Experience with axenic/gnotobiotic rearing.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred Qualifications	Mosquito colony experience is strongly preferred. Familiarity with pitcher plants and/or inquiline mosquitoes is a distinct plus. The independence to drive a project forward, paired with the collaborative instincts to thrive in an interdisciplinary team. Comfort working across the biochemistry-microbiology interface.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the undergraduate schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agricultural business and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants	Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For additional information regarding the position, please contact Dr. Jennifer Sun, Search Committee Chair, jennsun@sebs.rutgers.edu
Quick Link to Posting	https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/280142
Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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