Postdoc in Bioinformatics and Transposon Biology in Rice

Postdoctoral Research in Bioinformatics and Transposon Biology in RiceUniversity of California, Riverside[Position filled as of 6/2011]Position DescriptionAn NSF funded postdoctoral position is available in the laboratories of Dr Susan Wessler and Dr Jason Stajich to study the evolutionary dynamics of transposable elements in the rice genome and their contribution to phenotypic variation. This postdoctoral scientist will be involved in research using bioinformatics, next generation sequencing of multiple rice strains, and RNA-Seq based transcriptional profiling. This position requires excellent bioinformatics and programming skills to analyze and synthesize genome assemblies from next generation sequencing data produced by Illumina/Solexa technology. Background information on the biology underlying the project can be found in: K. Naito et al, Nature 2009 461: 131; K. Naito et al, PNAS 2006 103: 17620; N. Jiang et al, Nature 2003 421: 163.The successful candidate will be expected to contribute and lead data analysis for the project. There will be opportunities for molecular biology, if desired, as part of validation of analyses. In addition, data and software from this project will be used to develop teaching materials as part of the HHMI funded Dynamic Genomes course at UC Riverside providing an opportunity to participate in teaching in an innovative topic-focused course for undergraduates. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and review will begin on February 15, 2011.  Salary and benefits are commensurate with NIH guidelines and the University of California Postdoctoral Union agreement. Special consideration will be given to candidates with exceptional bioinformatics and genome evolution experience.QualificationsMinimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in bioinformatics and high proficiency in programming is necessary along with an understanding of the mechanisms underlying genome evolution. Experience with next generation sequence data is highly desirable. Ability to communicate clearly, work independently, and interact collaboratively is essential.The researcher will also work closely with co-PIs and collaborators at the Boyce-Thompson Institute and Cornell University.To ApplyContact Jason Stajich (jason.stajich@ucr.edu) or Susan Wessler (susan.wessler@ucr.edu) with a current CV and names of three references.More information can be found online about the Stajich lab http://lab.stajich.org Wessler lab http://wesslerlab.ucr.edu and UC Riverside http://www.ucr.edu.Information about UCRIn the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California, the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities — air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history and culture. UCR gives every student the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.UCR is ranked 43rd among top public universities (US News and World Report 2010).At UC Riverside we celebrate diversity and are proud of our #5 ranking among the nation’s for most diverse universities (US News and World Report 2010). Become part of a place that fosters success for all its constituents, students, faculty, and staff, and where work/life balance and campus culture are integral to our way of life.UCR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer with a commitment to workforce diversity.  **AA/EOE **