On 9/26/18, 10:36 AM, "Mammalian Biology on behalf of Cody W. Edwards" <[log in to unmask] on behalf of [log in to unmask]> wrote:
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the field of conservation genomics. The position is a 12-month appointment, renewable up to three years, and will be based at the National Zoological Park-Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, USA. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in conservation or population genomics. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing, cutting-edge research on the conservation genomics of critically endangered African antelopes such as the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah). The research will include assembly and annotation of the genomes, generation of whole genome sequences from additional individuals, and/or analyses related to patterns of genome-wide diversity, inference of historical demography, and comparative analyses of closely related species. The position involves focused research on developing novel approaches to establishing self-sustaining populations of endangered ungulates ex situ, developing genomic tools for managing small populations, and creating and facilitating networks of people across sectors taking action for conservation. In addition to the research effort, this position will provide oversight of three SMSC laboratory spaces and ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, and ensure appropriate safety equipment is available and training is completed.
We seek a creative and highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and English language skills who will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team that includes genomicists, reproductive physiologists, and animal managers to help establish new approaches for conserving endangered species in both ex situ and in situ environments. The postdoctoral researcher will have office space, access to the Smithsonian Institution’s Hydra computing cluster, and access to the George Mason University supercomputing cluster.
Required Qualifications:
1. Ph.D. in conservation biology, evolution, ecology, or closely related field;
2. Demonstrated experience analyzing whole genome and population genomic data using bioinformatic pipelines;
3. Strong programming skills and proficiency with Python or other computer languages;
4. Demonstrated laboratory expertise in molecular genetic techniques related to the preparation of genomic libraries, target enrichment capture, and SNP array analyses; and
5. Demonstrated ability to complete projects in a timely manner, prepare manuscripts, and communicate findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Salary:
A salary in the range of $48,000 – $52,000 for a first-year postdoctoral researcher is provided along with excellent state employee benefits (health, dental, vision).
Information about the SMSC may be obtained at http://smconservation.gmu.edu or by contacting Anastasia Triplett [log in to unmask]
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number F272Az at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.
