Research Associate

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 59,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent research institution in Halifax is seeking a part-time Research Associate for a 2-year term in comparative genomics. Responsibilities include conducting laboratory and computational work, mentoring trainees, and publishing findings. The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. and a strong background in microbial genomics and bioinformatics, with experience in genome sequencing and analysis.

Benefits

Voluntary RRSP

Health and dental plans

Employee and family assistance program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years related experience in microbial genomics, evolution and phylogenomics.
• Experience with metagenomic binning and genome assembly.
• Strong skills in bioinformatics and guiding trainees.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wet-lab and computational aspects of comparative genomics project.
• Mentor trainees on genomics and bioinformatics.
• Present findings at lab meetings and scientific seminars.
• Write findings for peer-reviewed publication.

Skills

Molecular Evolution

Microbial Genomics

Bioinformatics

Linux

Python Programming

Phylogenomic Analyses

Communication Skills

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Evolution or related discipline

Tools

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

Illumina sequencing

Job description

Research Project Comparative Genomics & Phylogenomics of Anaerobic Protists

Location

Posting Number

Posting Number GP58-25

Employee Group

Employee Group Grant-Paid

Position Type

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

Duration of Contract (if applicable) 2 years

Employment Type

Employment Type Part Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 0.9

Salary $65000 per annum prorated to $58,500 per annum for 0.9 FTE ( 31.5 hours/ 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, 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 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. 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.

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

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 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/hiringfordiversity
If 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 .