Postdoctoral Scientist - Marine Biomedical Discovery

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

Medical and Dependent FSA

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

403(b) Retirement Plan

12 Paid Holidays

Job summary

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist to lead comparative genomics studies of long- and short-lived species and to model aging mechanisms in zebrafish. You will mine genomes, assemble and annotate diverse species, and develop phylogenetic tools to reveal lifespan evolution signals.

Ideal candidates will have a strong publication record, experience with non-model species, and a track record in aging biology and aquatic models.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular/cell biology, bioinformatics, or related field with emphasis on phylogenetics.
• Experience with DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning and CRISPR gene editing.
• Experience generating and analyzing omics data with emphasis on non-model species.
• Strong computational skills and standard bioinformatic/statistical software.
• Proficient with Linux, command line, shell scripts; Python/R.
• Strong publication record.
• Experience with aquatic models desirable.
• Experience with methylation clocks desirable.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, integrity and flexibility.
• Commitment to GMGI’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in comparative genomics of short- and long-lived species.
• Generate comparative resources through sequencing, assembly, and annotation of diverse genomes.
• Use phylogenetic tools and develop new ones to glean lifespan evolution signals.
• Curate diverse datasets for meta-analyses on lifespan evolution.
• Translate aging signals into genetic interventions in zebrafish.
• Develop assays to measure aging in zebrafish (methylation clocks, histology, neuro-muscular tests).
• Contribute to transgenic zebrafish lines (microinjection, mutant screening, genotyping).
• Analyze experimental data with bioinformatic/statistical methods.
• Lead publication of results and present at conferences.
• Contribute to grant proposals and fundraising; support outreach.
• Mentor interns and staff.

Skills

Phylogenetics

Non-model species analysis

Team collaboration

Communication

Leadership

Publication track record

Aging biology

Genomics data analysis

Data interpretation

Adaptability

Education

PhD in molecular/cell biology or bioinformatics

Tools

CRISPR gene editing

DNA/RNA isolation

PCR/qPCR

Molecular cloning

Linux CLI

Python

R

Job description

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is an exciting independent research institute addressing critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. GMGI is looking for a Postdoctoral Scientist to join our team studying the biology of exceptionally long-lived marine animals. Our goal is to translate evolutionary insights from these exceptional animals into interventions that promote human healthspan and combat age-related diseases, using zebrafish as a development platform. This position will mine the genomes of long- and short-lived fishes and clams to identify evolutionary mechanisms that set lifespan. These mechanisms will then be genetically modeled in zebrafish to extend healthy aging. The project will use extensive computational methods, modern genetic tools, and develop new assays to modulate and test the molecular mechanisms of aging.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team of collaborators. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic and motivated scientist to learn a powerful genetic model and advance aging research in an entrepreneurial and exciting work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in comparative genomics of exceptionally short- and long-lived species.
• Generate comparative resources through sequencing, assembly, and annotation of diverse genomes using modern bioinformatic tools.
• Use existing phylogenetic analytical tools and develop novel ones when necessary to glean evolutionary insights into the regulation of lifespan from diverse ‘omics’ data.
• Curate diverse biological datasets to form the basis of meta-analyses to identify shared signals underlying the evolution of lifespan.
• Develop evolutionary signals underlying lifespan variation into genetic interventions to evaluate their effect on aging and healthspan in zebrafish.
• Develop and apply assays to measure and quantify biological aging in zebrafish, including methylation clocks, histology, and compound neuro-muscular functionality.
• Contribute the generation and maintenance of transgenic zebrafish lines, including microinjection, mutant screening, and genotyping.
• Analyze experimental data with high proficiency using appropriate bioinformatic and statistical approaches.
• Lead the publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant proposals, institutional fund-raising activities and community outreach activities.
• Mentor interns and research staff as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular/cell biology, bioinformatics, or a related field, with particular emphasis on phylogenetics.
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning and CRISPR gene editing.
• Experience generating and analyzing ‘omics data with particular expertise in analyzing non-model species.
• Strong computational skills and experience with standard bioinformatic and statistic software packages.
• Proficient with the Linux environment and knowledge in command line interface, writing shell scripts, and applying scriptsof commonly used languages for biological data analysis (i.e. Python, R)
• Strong publication record representing innovative, high-quality research.
• Experience working with aquatic models is desirable.
• Experience with methylation clocks is desirable.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated record of leadership, integrity and flexibility.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to GMGI’s mission for science and education.

This position will report to the Research Scientist.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US.

It's our goal as an employer to provide an enriching and supportive environment for our employees. We are proud to offer a benefit package that includes:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Medical and Dependent Flex Spending Accounts
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• 12 Paid Holidays

About GMGI

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) was launched in 2013 in the belief that the ocean represents a new source of opportunity. As a not-for-profit whose ambitious mission is to “address critical challenges facing our oceans, human health and the environment through innovative scientific research and education” GMGI is demonstrating that there is vast potential in marine science discovery powered by genomics.

GMGI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance and business need.

In addition to researching diversity in our oceans, GMGI is committed to supporting diversity in our workforce and classrooms. We know that having varied backgrounds and experiences stimulates discussion and new ideas. We are committed to taking action on diversity, equity, and inclusion through providing substantial training opportunities to increase our self-awareness as an organization and building a team of staff and students from uniquely different backgrounds. Please visit our website for more information: www.gmgi.org