Opportunity: Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Opportunity: Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
Deepwater corals in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo courtesy of Ocean Exploration Trust.

March 30, 2016

Post-Doctoral position in Coral Bioinformatics
Project Title: Gene expression analysis of coral stress response
Supervisors: Dr. Erik Cordes and Dr. Rob Kulathinal, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia PA.

We are looking for a bioinformatics specialist who has experience working with non-model organisms. We have ongoing projects on gene expression and stress responses of deepwater corals. The first is an NSF-funded study of the effects of ocean acidification on the deep-sea coral Lophelia pertusa. The second project is an examination of the response of deep-sea octocorals to oil and dispersant exposure that is part of a large, collaborative, research consortium funded by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative. The post-doc would be responsible for the analysis of large volumes of RNAseq data from organisms with few existing genomics resources and will have the opportunity to manage and work with doctoral students and a project-dedicated bioinformatician. The post-doc will be expected to disseminate the results of the project at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications that they lead. Ideally, the post-doc would develop additional projects using the existing data sets and also work with the PIs to secure additional funding for further investigations.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a related field (either already awarded or awarded by the time of the initial appointment), a good history of publication, and extensive experience with bioinformatics tools. The candidate should have experience with data from multiple sequencing platforms. Excellent writing skills and the ability to work well in a group environment are essential. Experience in a molecular lab, including DNA and RNA extractions and PCR are a plus. The ability and desire to participate in field work, including multiple weeks on offshore research cruises, are also preferred.

The candidate will have access to Temple University’s exciting new genomics resources including a large community of computational evolutionary genomicists at the Center for Biodiversity (www.biodiversitycenter.org) and the Center for Computational Genetics and Genomics (www.ccgg.temple.edu).

Temple University is located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, and is the sixth largest provider of graduate school education in the US. Situated between New York City and Washington DC, Philadelphia is home to a large biotech industry and has many outstanding academic, research, and cultural institutions. Temple University is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer committed to achieving a diverse community (AA, EOE, m/f/d/v).

The position will begin as soon as possible, but no later than August 15th, 2016. This position will initially be for 12 months, with the possibility of a multi-year extension contingent on additional funding. The initial salary will include full benefits and will be commensurate with experience, according to the schedule published here: http://www.temple.edu/grad/pfo/index.html Candidates should send a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references via email to ecordes@temple.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and all applications received before April 30th will be given full consideration. 

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