The Beinart lab is part of University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography, located right on the coast in Narragansett, RI USA. We study the ecology and evolution of marine microbial symbioses using ‘omics, experiments, and other methods. We are an inclusive group that welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences and values collaboration, authenticity, and mutual respect.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
The Beinart lab welcomes inquiries from prospective graduate students (both MS and PhD). If interested, please send a research interest statement and CV to Roxanne Beinart (rbeinart@uri.edu).
For more general information about applying to graduate programs, I suggest reading these helpful articles:
Casey Dunn's Medium article "Applying to Biology PhD programs"
and the long list of blog posts about this topic on Joan Strassmann's blog Sociobiology
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Postdoc focused on anaerobic ciliate-methanogen symbioses:
We are part of a new Human Frontier Science Program project with Courtney Stairs (Lund U.) and Filip Husnik (OIST) to study anaerobic protist symbioses called “Deciphering the Evolution, Cellular Biology and Biogeochemistry of Symbioses in Anaerobic Eukaryotes”. The focus in our lab will be on anaerobic ciliates and their methanogen symbionts from marine sediments.
We are looking for a postdoc to join this project in-person sometime between March-Sept. 2025 who has interest and experience in microbial ecology, anaerobic microbiology (including cultivation), archaeal biology, protistology, symbiosis, and/or microbial ‘omics. The postdoc will contribute to project goals related to understanding the ecology, physiology, evolutionary history, and cell biology of anaerobic ciliate symbioses using ‘omics, microscopy, and/or physiological experiments. At least two years of funding plus benefits is available.
How do I get in touch?
Please email Roxanne Beinart, rbeinart@uri.edu, with 1) a cover letter summarizing your experience and interests and 2) current CV with contact info for at least two references by December 15, 2024.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS
The Beinart lab is looking for motivated and curious undergraduate researchers to work on a variety of projects involving marine microbial symbioses. A background in biology, marine biology, computer science, bioinformatics, and/or ocean engineering would be appreciated, but is not required. If interested, please send a short research interest statement and CV to Roxanne Beinart (rbeinart@uri.edu).
For general advice about finding a lab to work in as an undergraduate, I suggest reading Joan Strassmann's blog post "You want to do research but how do you begin?"