Computational Biology/Evolutionary Genomics Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-FARU-2015-0077
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A Computational Biology/Evolutionary Genomics postdoctoral research opportunity is available with the Fire Ant Research Unit (FARU) in Gainesville, Florida.  The FARU research program largely focuses on functional, population and evolutionary genomics studies of fire ants (genus Solenopsis). Examples of current projects include the use of population genetic and genomics tools and approaches to understand the genetic underpinnings of fire ant social behavior, the patterns of genome-wide gene flow and introgression among fire ant species, the genetic architecture of species differences, the consequences of recent invasions of fire ants into new environments and reproductive biology and life history of fire ants and other ants.

The selected applicant will conduct research on a project that uses NGS methods (particularly genotyping-by-sequencing) to investigate population structure, gene flow, introgression, and species delimitation in fire ants.  The selected candidate will be encouraged to work on additional projects, depending on personal interests and demonstrated abilities.

The appointment is full-time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  The participant does not become an employee of the ARS or ORISE.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position may require a pre-employment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.

This is an equal opportunity program open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit http://www.orise.orau.gov/usda-ars.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a doctorate degree in biology, genetics, bioinformatics, evolutionary genomics or related field within five years of the desired starting date.  The ideal candidate will have interest and expertise in population and evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics experience of managing and analyzing large-scale genomic data sets, programming experience in any scripting language (e.g. PERL or Python), and evidence of excellence in research and high productivity.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
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