[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc in Bioinformatics (Transcriptomics of non-model organisms) - UC Santa Barbara

[Holly Moeller]

*JPF01760: Postdoctoral Scholar in Bioinformatics (transcriptomics)
Analysis*

The ICB is actively seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research in
Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology. Applications are invited to engage in
research using bioinformatic approaches to study the evolution of acquired
metabolism. The postdoc will apply methods such as transcriptomics and
proteomics to compare extant lineages of chloroplast-retaining microbes to
identify evolved traits allowing for increased reliance on these organelles.

The project seeks to test the hypothesis that the retention of functional
prey chloroplasts (“kleptoplasty”) may have given rise to modern-day
eukaryotic phytoplankton. In particular, we use members of the marine
ciliate genus *Mesodinium* to represent a natural gradient between
heterotrophy (no photosynthetic capacity) to highly photosynthetic (gaining
the majority of energy and carbon from stolen chloroplasts). We use a
combination of empirical and modeling approaches to identify the mechanisms
leading to plastid retention, link these mechanisms to ecological
consequences (e.g., for growth and reproduction), and ask what selection
pressures may favor these adaptations. The postdoctoral scholar will
primarily be involved in using bioinformatics tools to identify key
mechanistic differences between the lineages, especially in metabolic
pathways linked with downregulation of heterotrophy and increased reliance
on photosynthesis.

The postdoctoral scholar's activities may include, but will not be limited
to, (1) development of bioinformatics pipelines for data analysis, (2)
application of these pipelines to datasets generated from laboratory
experiments, and (3) involvement in laboratory experiments. Postdoctoral
Scholar appointments are intended to provide a full-time training program
of advanced academic preparation and research training under the mentorship
of a faculty member.

The Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) is an Army-sponsored
University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The ICB is a uniquely
interdisciplinary research alliance led by the University of California,
Santa Barbara, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, the California Institute of Technology and partners from the
Army and industry. ICB research is driven by more than 50 premier faculty
working together with graduate students project scientist, specialists, and
professional researchers as interdisciplinary teams of biologists,chemists,
physicists, psychologists, physicians, social scientists, and engineers.
These teams develop biologically inspired, revolutionary technological
innovations in systems and synthetic biology, materials science and
engineering, biotechnology tools and cognitive neuroscience.

The appointee will be based at UCSB in the laboratory of Dr. Holly Moeller,
and will collaborate with Dr. Matthew Johnson (Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution) and Dr. Erica Lasek-Nesselquist (Wadsworth Center, New York
Department of Health). The project includes funds for travel for
collaborative visits to these other institutions.

Initial appointment will be made for one year. Reappointments are made
based on continuation of funding and performance.

*Basic Qualifications: *At the time of application, candidates must hold a
Ph.D. or be enrolled in a Ph.D. or equivalent international program.

*Additional Qualifications: *PhD in biology, biological oceanography,
chemistry, computer science, or closely related disciplines by time of
appointment.

*Preferred Qualifications:*
-Prior experience with developing bioinformatics pipelines and analyzing
such as data (transciptomics, proteomics)
-Experience analysing datasets from non-model organisms.
-Programming experience.
-Research experience in one or more of the following areas:
photophysiology, cell
physiology, marine microbial ecology, or closely related disciplines.
-A track record of talks and peer-reviewed publications appropriate to
career stage.

To apply please go to the following link:
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01760

Applicants should submit :
-CV
-Statement of experience
-Two relevant publications
-Three references

*For primary consideration, apply on or before March 10, 2020*. The
Committee will start reviewing applications March 11, 2020. The position
will remain open until filled.

The position start date is negotiable, and can be as early as March 22
2020, but no later than 31 December 2020. Applicants must have completed
their PhD in order to start this position.

The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to
the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research,
teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected
veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

-------------------------
Dr. Holly V. Moeller
Assistant Professor, Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara
Email: holly.moeller at lifesci.ucsb.edu
Website: https://moellerlab.org/ <https://moellerecology.wordpress.com/>
Phone: 805-893-3216
Pronouns: she/her
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