Postdoctoral Fellow – Madagascar Biodiversity Genomics
Job Description:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Department of Conservation Genetics
(OHDZA-CG) based in Omaha, Nebraska, is seeking a post-doctoral
researcher with interest/expertise in the generation and analysis of
next-generation sequencing data of lemurs, tortoises, and other taxa
from Madagascar.
Duties:
The successful applicant will be proficient in the construction genomic
libraries and in solution hybridization methodologies for high
throughput sequencing as well as all relevant analysis of large
datasets, and manage next-generation sequence workflows. This individual
will be responsible for development, implementation, and support of
software applications related to variant detection and interpretation
from high-throughput experiments involving multiple species of lemurs,
tortoises, and taxa from Madagascar. Assembly of whole genomes is
in-progress, but will likely require additional analysis pertinent to
specific research projects. Interested candidates should be highly
motivated, organized, independent, and have extensive experience with
molecular genomics and bioinformatics, and be able to efficiently write
and revise manuscripts. Travel to Madagascar to support the field
programs of OHDZA-CG is required for a minimum of five week intervals
twice a year.
Basic Qualifications:
Applicants should hold a PhD in bioinformatics, computer science,
molecular genomics or related field and have more than one year of
experience in high-throughput genome sequence analysis. Applicants
should be experienced at software related to next generation sequencing
data and be able to manipulate genomic data for phylogenetics and
phylogeography. Our group’s focus is large-scale sequencing for
phylogenetics, phylogeography and evolutionary studies of lemurs,
tortoises and other taxa from Madagascar. Thus, previous experience in
genome assemblies, annotation and analysis of a variety of next
generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines is preferable. The ideal candidate
will be independent, highly motivated, productive, and able to work
effectively in a team with members from a variety of diverse backgrounds
with outstanding written and verbal communication skills. The successful
applicant must be interested in interdisciplinary science and field
research and have a solid publication record that illustrates ability to
conduct novel, independent research.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates should have 3+ years of experience in molecular biology,
genetics, or bioinformatics. The position requires proficiency in
programming (perl or python) and bash scripting using Linux operating
systems. Applicants are also expected to be familiar with bioinformatics
tools, be able to implement complex computational pipelines, incorporate
genomics databases and have extensive and creditable laboratory
experience with constructing genomic libraries. The applicant will need
to work closely with two full time technicians to manage NGS lab work,
as well as with a full time bioinformatician. While in Madagascar the
applicant will work with a variety of Malagasy graduate students, and is
expected to assist with the progression of a variety of projects, and
assist with completion of their degrees and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Based on all these above duties requires a candidate with excellent
interpersonal skills, and the ability to train and teach both national
and international audiences is necessary. The candidate must also be
able to jump between a variety of projects, based on needs of the
research group.
Must be legally entitled to work in the USA. Visa sponsorship is not
available.
Appointment:
The selected candidate will be based primarily at OHDZA-CG, but the
individual will be required to travel and conduct field work with the
projects under the management of the Madagascar Biodiversity
Partnership, NGO (www.madagascarpartnership.org). Salary/benefits are
based on OHDZA-CG’s salary/benefits structure, and are commensurate with
experience. The initial appointment is for duration of two-years, but is
renewable for an additional two years based on performance. The position
will begin approximately mid-August 2017.
Application:
Applicants should send curriculum vitae, a statement of research
interests and career goals, a few publications, and the names and
addresses of three academic and professional references to:
Dr. Edward E. Louis, Jr.
Director of the Department of Conservation Genetics
Center for Conservation and Research
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107 USA
Email: [email protected]
Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt.
