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Research Associate

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Research Associate
Department/Unit Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Research Project Comparative Genomics & Phylogenomics of Anaerobic Protists
Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number GP67-23
Employee Group Grant-Paid
Position Type Term
Duration of Contract (if applicable) 1 year, with the possibility of renewal
Employment Type Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 0.9
Salary $62,778 per annum (35 hours per week), prorated to $56,500.20 per annum based on 90% FTE (31.5 hours per week)
About the Organization
The Roger Lab’s overall research goals include:
  • Determining the “super-kingdoms” of eukaryotic organisms by phylotogenomics.
  • Comparative genomics of unicellular eukaryotes.
  • The biology and evolution of mitochondria, hydrogenosomes and mitosomes.
  • Modeling the evolution of genes and genomes.

For more information, please visit https://medicine.dal.ca/departments/department-sites/biochemistry-molecular-biology/our-people/faculty/roger.html
Job Summary
Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate will work on a project aimed at comparative and evolutionary genomics/phylogenetics of anaerobic protists and associated bacteria.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct all wet-lab and computational aspects of a project involving long and short-read genome sequencing, de novo assembly, metagenomic binning, genome annotation and downstream analyses of gene content and genome architecture in a comparative/evolutionary framework, individually or as part of a team.
  • Assist the PI in mentoring trainees in the laboratory by training them on genomics, bioinformatics and evolutionary analysis and how to interpret their analyses.
  • Present findings at regular lab meetings and other seminars both in the university and at scientific meetings.
  • Write findings in manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
Note
Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Evening and weekend work may be required on an occasional basis to meet operational requirements.
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D in Molecular Evolution or related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years related experience in microbial genomics, evolution and phylogenomics, with a strong record of publishing in high impact journals.
  • Extensive research experience in comparative microbial genomics of free-living anaerobic protists, Archaea and Bacteria, as well as documented experience with metagenomic binning and genome assembly.
  • Proven experience with addressing eukaryogenesis-related phylogenetic problems including the origin of mitochondria.
  • Strong skills in bioinformatics and demonstrated proficiency in Linux and Python programming.
  • Proven experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing, Illumina sequencing, de novo genome assembly of microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, gene prediction/curation and functional annotation of microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes.
  • Advanced knowledge of phylogenomic analyses and the use of site-profile mixture models in a Bayesian and Maximum likelihood context as well as diagnosis of phylogenetic artefacts occurring in deep tree of life inferences.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience guiding trainees in bioinformatics skills.
Assets
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.
Application Consideration
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Open Date 08/30/2023
Close Date 10/12/2023
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/14622

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter