This position will involve research on the microbiota of food and the digestive tract. The incumbent will be responsible for bacterial community analyses of foods, milk, and mammalian digestive tracts. Specific skills in PCR, quantitative PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (single genes and bacterial communities), and molecular biology (protein and nucleic acids) are required. Additionally, skills in bacterial and yeast culturing methods and genetic manipulation (gene deletion and mutation) are desired. Experience with animal husbandry and necropsy as well as in the maintenance of human cell cultures (e.g. Caco-2 cells) is recommended. The incumbent will be responsible for executing experimental plans developed in partnership with the PI. He/she will be expected to analyze and interpret data he/she collects and then, through critical thinking, propose next steps (experiments) to be discussed with the PI.