The Center of Microbiome Science (CoMS) at The Ohio State University is excited to announce an open call for applications to fill at least three trainee positions that will support CoMS’ Community Resources in 2026.
Specifically, we are looking for two individuals with expertise in microbiome science bioinformatics to co-host a weekly Microbiome Bioinformatics Helpline (1 hour a week) that will provide guidance to CoMS’ researchers on bioinformatic / statistical tools and approaches relevant to microbiome analyses. We are looking for one individual to moderate a CoMS’ community discussion platform (e.g. Discord / Teams) that will serve as a place for CoMS members to ask questions about microbiome resources, collaborations, bioinformatics etc. Moderators do not have to know the answer to every question, but must be willing to help community members find resources or other contacts relevant to their questions. Applicants may be graduate students, postdocs, or research scientists employed at Ohio State University. These positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute to and shape the future of microbiome research at OSU and represent part of CoMS’ broader efforts to support OSU microbiome researchers.
Microbiome Bioinformatics Helpline Leads (at least 2 positions):
Helpline Lead applicants should have expertise in at least one of the following areas:
- Genome-resolved microbiome analyses
- Virome analyses
- Microbiome-related ecological statistics / modeling
- AI and the microbiome
Responsibilities will include:
- Co-host weekly Microbiome Bioinformatics Helpline “office hours” (1 hour per week) to field questions from and provide guidance to CoMS researchers conducting microbiome bioinformatic analyses
- Note: Helpline leads are also required to meet at least once monthly with the CoMS Data Analysts and the Sullivan Lab Bioinformatics Subgroup for awareness of updated microbiome functionalities at the Ohio Supercomputer Center.
- Helpline leads should also be familiar with broader CoMS and Microbiome Platform resources so that they can direct researchers toward these resources as relevant.
- Serve a one-year term with biannual report outs at CoMS’ Executive Advisory Committee meetings.
- Optional: Periodically provide training primers relevant to microbiome bioinformatics.
CoMS Community Discussion Platform Lead (1 position):
Community Discussion Platform lead should be an effective communicator who is familiar with, and able and willing to monitor a community discussion platform (e.g. Discord or Teams) regularly. This lead should have broad awareness of OSU microbiome science resources and/or community members to help address questions or connect individuals as relevant.
Responsibilities will include:
- Moderate a new OSU CoMS Community Discussion platform (Discord / Teams).
- Be familiar with broader CoMS and Microbiome Platform resources so that you can direct researchers toward these resources as relevant
- Serve a one-year term with biannual report outs at CoMS’ Executive Advisory Committee meetings.
Compensation:
Trainees will gain invaluable experience being exposed to microbiome challenges across the OSU campus, while also developing important leadership, networking, and communication skills. CoMS will offer $2,000 in professional development funds for the year of trainee service. After each semester of service (Spring/Autumn), $1000 will be transferred to the trainee’s lab (PI account) for use by the trainee for professional development or research.
Application Requirements:
- Full name and email
- Department and role (Graduate student – if so, what year? PhD Candidate? Postdoc? Research Scientist?)
- What position are you applying for? (Microbiome Bioinformatics Helpline Lead or CoMS Community Discussion Platform Lead)
- A current CV
- An email of support from your PI (a brief sentence is sufficient).
- A half-page statement outlining your research focus, motivation for applying for the selected position, relevant skills for supporting OSU Microbiome Science researchers and familiarity with CoMS and Microbiome Platform services. For individuals applying for the Microbiome Bioinformatics Helpline Lead positions, you should also indicate your experience with microbiome informatics and OSC functioning. For individuals applying for the CoMS Community Discussion Platform Lead, you should describe any previous experiences that will lend themselves to moderating an online community microbiome science discussion forum.
Application Process:
Please submit your application to microbiome@osu.edu. The review of applications will commence on November 8th, 2025 and continue until the positions are filled. The anticipated start date for the one-year (AU, SP) term is Jan 5, 2026 and will run through December 31, 2026.
We look forward to receiving your applications and are excited about the potential contributions you will bring to the CoMS community.