Postdoctoral Fellow – Madagascar Biodiversity Genomics

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Genetics Department (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.

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.

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.

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: