Position Description

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will have a responsibility for conducting computational biology and bioinformatics research in the areas of genomics, microbiome analysis, and microbial ecology. The candidate will join Professor Shibu Yooseph’s Computational Biology research group in the Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences at Claremont McKenna College.

An ideal candidate will have a background in the computational sciences, and will lead the development, implementation, and application of combinatorial and machine learning algorithms to analyze microbiome data. This position involves knowledge of algorithms design, computer programming, and biological data analysis. Candidates who aspire to establishing themselves as independent researchers and innovative teachers are strongly encouraged to apply.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of algorithms to analyze microbiome data, including 16S ribosomal RNA sequence data and metagenomic sequence data. The main biological questions pertain to understanding microbial community composition, function, evolution, and interactions, and biomarker identification. Computational areas of interest include metagenome assembly, homology detection, biological sequence database representation and searching, omics data integration, mixture modeling, sparse network inference, and phylogenetics.
• Lead the preparation, writing, and publication of research manuscripts presenting the findings of the research questions. Participate in professional development activities including presenting research findings at seminars and conferences. Responsible for the management and organization of microbiome datasets, and for the management of computer code generated by the research projects.
• Serve as a mentor or co-mentor for undergraduate students on research projects. Help train new research associates. Work in a collaborative, flexible, and team-focused manner.
• Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION:  A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or other computational sciences. 

EXPERIENCE:  Research experience (3-4 years) in algorithm design and in the analysis of sequence data obtained from various next-generation DNA sequencing technologies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:  Individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

• Background in algorithms design and implementation. Familiarity or background in machine learning algorithms.
• Strong programming background. Programming languages include R, Python, or C/C++.
• Demonstrate effective, accurate and clear communication with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students representing a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, political opinion, genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions.
• Independently use exceptional organizational and time management, planning and priority skills to complete work with accuracy and a keen attention to detail by established deadlines, including the ability to effectively track the status of ongoing projects.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively, collaboratively and professionally with the academic community, with colleagues, and with others. Ability to receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.

START DATE: This is a two-year position. We are looking to fill this position immediately, with a latest start date of January 1, 2024.

HOURS:   The regular hours for this position are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.  Holiday, weekend and evening work hours may be required.  Travel may be required.

CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:  This is a non-exempt, regular, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  None.

BACKGROUND CHECK:  The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full background check.  Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the check, in addition to compliance with requirements cited in this job description. 

ADA/OSHA:  This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position. It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.  It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Equal Employment Opportunity: Claremont McKenna College is an equal opportunity employer. In a continuing effort to enrich its academic environment and provide equal educational and employment opportunities, the College actively encourages applications from members of historically under-represented groups in higher education.

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.  When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.