Research Associate

Research Project Comparative Genomics & Phylogenomics of Anaerobic ProtistsLocationPosting NumberPosting Number GP58-25Employee GroupEmployee Group Grant-PaidPosition TypePosition Type TermDuration of Contract (if applicable)Duration of Contract (if applicable) 2 yearsEmployment TypeEmployment Type Part TimeFull-time Equivalency (FTE)Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 0.9Salary $65000 per annum prorated to $58,500 per annum for 0.9 FTE ( 31.5 hours/ week)About the OrganizationThe 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, and modeling the evolution of genes and genomes.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 ResponsibilitiesConduct 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.NoteDue 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 QualificationsPh.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. Documented experience with metagenomic binning and genome assembly, addressing eukaryogenesis-related phylogenetic problems including the origin of mitochondria.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.Strong skills in bioinformatics and demonstrated proficiency in Linux and Python programming. Experience guiding trainees in bioinformatics skills.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.AssetsAdditional InformationDalhousie 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 ConsiderationWe thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.Diversity StatementDalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from: Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), Persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), 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.In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversityIf you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here . #J-18808-Ljbffr