Postdoctoral Research position at ACE

Job Description

The Arizona Cancer Evolution Center (ACE) based at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar that will contribute to research in the field of cancer comparative genomics. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in bioinformatics and a background in molecular evolution and comparative biology. This full-time, non-tenure-track, benefits-eligible, fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) position is for one year with subsequent renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and availability of resources. Salary range: $53,760 – $56,712 per year; DOE.

Beginning in 2018, ACE is funded by the NCI Cancer Systems Biology Consortium. Our group uses interdisciplinary approaches to understand the mechanisms underlying cancer defenses in nature. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in genomics to uncover the roles that changes in protein coding genes, gene duplications, and structural arrangements in cancer-related pathways or across the genome have had in the evolution of cancer suppression in animals, including large and long lived mammals such as elephants and whales. The candidate will also help determine the genetic basis of DNA damage response in treated animal cells.

The postdoctoral scholar will conduct research with Dr. Carlo Maley, Director of ACE, as well as Dr. Marc Tollis at Northern Arizona University and Dr. Amy Boddy at UC Santa Barbara. The successful candidate will also work closely with ACE research staff and other research collaborators and partners, particularly Dr. Lisa Abegglen and Dr. Josh Schiffman at U. Utah. The candidate will contribute to multiple projects, each with numerous publication opportunities.

Essential Duties

• Analyze genomic data across species
• Establish and maintain bioinformatic workflows on supercomputers
• Conduct literature reviews, data analyses, and report/manuscript preparation
• Identify, coordinate, and lead the writing of manuscripts
• Contribute to identifying relevant research funding opportunities.
• Disseminate research outcomes in peer-reviewed publications and at professional conferences.
• Coordinate among team members and lead the team’s efforts for accomplishing and delivering milestones for projects
• Participate in collaborations with the other faculty and partners.

Working Environment

The position will be primarily based at an office within the Biodesign Institute facility in Tempe, Arizona, and will have flexibility in working arrangements to accommodate remote work.

Required Qualifications

A recent (within the past 4 years) Ph.D. in biology, genomics, bioinformatics or a related field by the time of appointment.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity writing or compiling software and running analyses on large DNA and RNA-seq datasets using high performance computing clusters
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with common tools in genomics such as genome assembly, variant calling, annotation, gene expression and evolutionary analysis
• Knowledge of UNIX/Linux environments, common programming languages, R
• Demonstrated record of scientific publications
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills (in English).

Applicants are responsible for including a cover letter, CV, and the names of three professional references in their application through the Interfolio website. Emailed applications will not be accepted.

Application deadline is April 7, 2021.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

For the sixth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university’s culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all five years the category has existed.

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. http://research.asu.edu/