POSITION OPENINGS
We are looking for highly motivated postdocs and students (both graduates and undergraduates) who are willing to tackle fundamental questions in both basic evolution and biomedical research. Research interests in the Zhuang Lab include understanding the genetic basis of complex trait variation and novel trait evolution, involving the genetic architecture of complex diseases, the origination of genetic novelty and diversity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Employing molecular evolution, quantitative genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, the research group conducts studies on both model organisms, such as fruit flies, and non-model organisms, such as polar fishes.
Prospective postdoctoral research associates
Qualifications
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Ph.D. in Quantitative Genetics, Evolutionary Genetics, Statistical Genetics, or related fields;
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Proficiency in R and Python or other programming languages;
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Experience analyzing omic data sets (e.g. genome, transcriptome, metabolome, etc.);
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Good understanding of evolution and genetics theory and methodology;
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Strong written and oral communication skills, and ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
Responsibilities
The posdoc fellow will lead a NIH funded project to investigate cryptic genetic variation and gene-environment interaction underlying complex disease traits related to metabolism using Drosophila models. The primary responsibilities of this position are developing and implementing computational pipelines to carry out genetic mapping analysis, and genome/transcriptome/metabolome wide association studies, interpreting and organizing results into publishable papers and grant proposals. Other responsibilities include data management, mentoring students, and providing bioinformatics support for the lab.
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Application Instructions
Please email me the following materials:
(1) CV (includes publications and manuscripts in preparation),
(2) a cover letter outlining previous research experience and future plans, specifically how it is related to research focus in our lab,
(3) contact information for two references.
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Prospective graduate students
Prospective PhD students could join us through Department of Biological Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology.
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Minimum Requirements
• B.S. or M.S. in Biology or related fields.
• Highly motivated individual and commitment to scientific rigorousness.
Desirable Qualifications (preferred but not required)
• Hands-on experience from working with genomic data.
• Experience from working in a Linux/Unix environment.
Application Information
• Department of Biological Sciences
• Cell and Molecular Biology Program
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We invite interested and highly qualified candidates to apply. Please email me:
(1) your CV
(2) a cover letter outlining research interest and experience, specifically how it is related to research focus in our lab
(3) unofficial transcripts, GRE score (if you have), and TOFEL / IELTS score (for international students)
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Prospective undergraduate students
Students interested in joining the lab are encouraged to read our research webpages. A great way to confirm the type of research you are passionate about is reading some related scientific articles.
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Previous research experience is not required, but we would like to see your positive attitude, willing to learn, hardworking, and enthusiasm for the research project. Pre-existing knowledge or technical expertise is not required, but ideal candidates are expected to take at least one or two courses in the topics of genetics, evolution, genomics, or bioinformatics.
I will help to guide project conception and work together with each student to create a plan of concrete and actionable tasks. Our undergraduate lab members will learn how to gather useful information for their research from scientific literature, perform experiments and data analysis, participate in manuscripts writing, and have the opportunity to present their results at academic conferences.
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If you are interested in joining our group, please send me an email briefly describing your research interests and how it fits with those of our lab.
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*** The commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a critical aspect for doing research in our lab. We will create an atmosphere where everyone should feel safe, respected, supported, welcomed, and valued to fully participate. We welcome students from underrepresented groups to join us.
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