RECRUITING: Postdoctoral Researcher, Callahan Laboratory at North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC
Job description: We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead development of new computational methods for analyzing and interpreting long-read amplicon sequencing data, with a specific focus on the rapid identification and tracing of foodborne pathogens. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Benjamin Callahan and our academic and industrial partners to advance the state-of-the-art in accurate long-read amplicon sequencing, and to develop databases and classification methods that will allow long amplicon reads to discriminate pathogenic and non-pathogenic clades within common bacterial species. Additional applications may include high-resolution microbial ecology and one-read one-genome viral metagenomics.
Qualifications: A PhD in Computer Science, Physics, (Applied) Math, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Engineering or other quantitative field OR a PhD in any Life Sciences field as well as research experience in computational biology or bioinformatics. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, be able to self-motivate and lead a research project, and have a desire to work in a rapidly advancing field. Prior experience with biological sequence data and/or R programming is a plus.
Job parameters: Initial appointment will be for one year, but three years of federal funding for this position have already been secured. Salary is expected to be $50,000 a year. Health insurance is included. A starting date of January 2020 or earlier is preferred, but is negotiable. Screening of applications will begin immediately.
What we offer: The Callahan lab develops new computational methods and software tools that are widely used by the research community (e.g. DADA2 and decontam) and that advance our understanding of marker-gene and metagenomic sequencing measurements (e.g. validated mathematical models of metagenomic bias). We apply these methods and others to collaborative investigations of critical microbiome-related health issues including the prediction and prevention of preterm birth, the epidemiology of C. difficile, and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. Members of the Callahan lab regularly interact with active communities of like-minded researchers as part of the Microbiomes and Complex Microbial Communities Cluster at NC State, and the Bioinformatics Research Center. NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke are all located within a 30 minute drive of one another, and surround a large number of engineering, technology and biotech companies in Research Triangle Park. Together, the Research Triangle is one of the most dynamic places for academic and industrial research and development in the world. The main cities, Raleigh and Durham, are vibrant and cosmopolitan while still being affordable.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter with a brief statement of research interests, a CV and contact information for two references to [email protected].