Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment - Durham

2864 16413
Position ID:Duke-NSOE-Durham-POSTDOC_WERNEGREEN [#16413]
Position Title: Postdoctoral Associate - Evolutionary Genomics of Bacterial Endosymbionts
Position Type:Postdoctoral
Position Location:Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Areas: Biology / Computational biology
Genomics / Bacterial genomes
Evolution / Evolution analysis
Microbiology / Microbial symbiosis
Appl Deadline: finished (2020/06/04, finished 2022/01/08)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

The Wernegreen lab (https://sites.duke.edu/wernegreenlab/) seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on a funded project related to evolutionary genomics of bacterial endosymbionts of insects. This postdoc position will contribute to a collaborative NSF-funded project that, more broadly, is exploring the phylogenetic history and biogeography of a highly successful ant tribe (Camponotini) and their bacterial endosymbionts. This postdoc position will focus on whole-genome sequencing for associated endosymbiotic bacteria, particularly the primary nutritional endosymbiont (Blochmannia) that has coevolved with Camponotine ants. The position requires strong interest and research experience in computational biology, bacterial genome evolution, comparative genomics, and high-throughput sequencing approaches. Also helpful will be strong interests and experience in microbial symbiosis, the evolution of endosymbionts, and insect diversity.

Specifically, this postdoc project will focus on the high-throughput sequencing and comparative analysis of numerous bacterial endosymbiont genomes from diverse Camponotine (ant) hosts. The position largely focuses on two key areas: (i) computational biology, including the development of efficient pipelines for bacterial genome assembly, annotation, and metabolic comparisons, and (ii) evolutionary analysis of whole bacterial genomes, including inferences of natural selection and other evolutionary forces. In addition to those two key areas, the position will involve contributing to molecular wet-lab work associated with generating this data, possibly via mentoring of junior researchers involved in lab work.

More generally, postdoctoral researchers are also expected to contribute to the mentoring of junior laboratory members and lab meetings. When eligible, postdocs are also expected to develop proposals for independent funding opportunities, e.g., via federal agencies.

The successful applicant will join a thriving community of researchers in environmental and genomic sciences at the Nicholas School of the Environment (https://nicholas.duke.edu), the Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, or GCB (https://genome.duke.edu), and the Duke Microbiome Center (https://sites.duke.edu/microbiome/).

WORK LOCATION

Work takes place in Durham, NC. We expect/hope the successful applicant to join us in person at Durham, we appreciate this is an evolving situation. If permission for on-site research is not granted by the desired start date Summer 2021, we can adjust accordingly for a remote position.

TERM Initial term of 12 mos, with the possibility of an additional 12 mos extension (24 mos total) contingent upon funding and performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should hold a PhD in bacterial genomics, computational biology, or a related field, obtained prior to start date. Applicants must have strong computational skills and experience with evolutionary analysis of bacterial genomes.

PROJECTED START DATE

Desired start date is Summer 2021. This assumes permission by Duke University to resume on-site research which is currently restricted. If in-person research is still restricted, we can re-think the start date and/or the viability of remote work.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://nicholas.duke.edu
 
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