Our research focuses on the empirical and theoretical ecology of phytoplankton and other microbes. Phytoplankton are a globally important group of photosynthetic microbes responsible for about half of carbon fixation on Earth. They form the basis of most aquatic food webs and significantly affect water quality and other ecosystem functions. We use observation, experiments, mathematical models, and data syntheses to understand how phytoplankton and other microbial communities respond to changing environmental conditions and how biotic interactions mediate those responses.
We also use phytoplankton communities as a model system to answer fundamental ecological questions, such as determining the causes and consequences of biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and predictability. Our research links multiple levels of biological organization, from physiological to ecosystem, to the whole globe level, with the focus on functional traits and communities.
Job opportunities
1. Postdoc in empirical or theoretical phytoplankton ecology
Litchman lab is looking for a postdoc to investigate phytoplankton eco-evolutionary responses to changing environments and general principles of community assembly, resilience, and predictability using experiments, models, and data synthesis.
2. Technical assistant in phytoplankton ecology
Litchman lab is looking for a technician in phytoplankton ecology to help conduct ecological, physiological, and evolutionary research on marine and freshwater phytoplankton and to help set up a new aquatic ecology lab.
3. Additional postdoc opportunities:
Contact Elena (elitchman@carnegiescience.edu) if you'd like to develop a project with her and apply for the following fellowships:
NOAA Climate & Global Change (C&GC) Postdoctoral Program (deadline Jan. 7, 2022)
NSF Office of Polar Programs Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (deadline Feb. 7, 2022)
