A funded postdoctoral research position (2 years, potentially renewable for a 3rd) is available in the laboratories of Andrew J. Roger and W. Ford Doolittle at Dalhousie University to study the major evolutionary transitions in the history of Life using comparative genomic, molecular evolutionary, bioinformatic and phylogenomic methods. Roger and Doolittle
are part of the world-renowned Centre for Comparative Genomics and
Evolutionary Bioinformatics (CGEB) – a vibrant collaborative group of
12 P.I.’s and ~70 trainees with research interests in deep evolution,
comparative genomics, phylogenetics, microbiomics and computational
biology (cgeb.dal.ca)
The successful candidate will conduct analyses with microbial genome and
metagenome data from the three (two?) domains of Life to reconstruct
the gene contents (and infer cellular and biochemical properties) of
the last universal common ancestor (LUCA), the last archaeal common
ancestor (LACA), the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) and the
alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to mitochondria. The
over-arching goal is to clarify the evolutionary transitions between
these primary types of cells. The ideal candidate would have a Ph.D. in
a related field and extensive knowledge/expertise with statistical
phylogenetic, phylogenomic and comparative genomic methods and
computational functional annotation/prediction of genes. Expertise
in analyzing microbial transcriptome/genome data, metagenomic data,
bioinformatics scripting languages (e.g. Python and/or Perl) and
familiarity with the R statistical package is also an asset.
For more information about the Roger and Doolittle
labs and the CGEB Centre see rogerlab.biochem.dal.ca,
www.biochem.dal.ca/faculty-staff/faculty/doolittle.php and cgeb.dal.ca
To apply please send an application package consisting of:
i) a cover letter that describes why you are interested in this position
and highlights your expertise,
ii) your curriculum vitae (CV), and
iii) the names and contact details of 2 or more individuals who have
agreed to write reference letters.
The package should be sent by email to Wanda Danilchuk, Email:
wanda.danilchuk@dal.ca
Initial deadline for complete applications is December 7th, 2016; if
not filled, review of complete application will occur every two weeks
thereafter until the search is closed. Please note, only those candidates
chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture
grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages
applications from qualified Aboriginal people, persons with a disability,
racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations
and gender identities, and all qualified candidates who would contribute
to the diversity of our community.
Andrew Roger <Andrew.Roger@Dal.Ca>