[Coral-List] Postdoc position in coral genomics at USC

Tue Oct 17 03:48:16 UTC 2023

Dear Listers -

I’m looking to fill a postdoc position starting in ~January and I’d be grateful if you could share the following ad with prospective applicants. We will begin to review applications starting November 10 - the application portal can be accessed here: https://usccareers.usc.edu/job/los-angeles/postdoctoral-scholar-research-associate/1209/55866379152

A postdoctoral position in conservation genomics is available in The Cnidarian Evolutionary Ecology (CEE) Lab<https://dornsife.usc.edu/carlslab/> at the University of Southern California. The successful applicant will lead analyses of whole genome sequence data from endangered Acropora cervicornis coral to assess population structure, demographic history, and associations with environmental and trait data. This project is part of an NSF-funded collaboration<https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2023705> between USC, the Universities of South Florida and Miami, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Perry Institute for Marine science to understand how interactions between genetics and environment influence coral performance and thermal resilience providing ample opportunities for networking and career development. There will also be latitude to develop additional projects within the broader theme of this work based on the candidate’s interests.

As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university a great place to work. USC has a central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

This is a full-time position, the initial appointment will be for a 6-month probationary period, after which a one-year reappointment is possible for successful and productive candidates with the potential for additional extensions, pending submission and approval of a supplemental funding request. Applications will be reviewed starting November 10, please submit your materials by this date for priority consideration. Desired start date is mid-January 2024.

The CEE Lab values inclusion and encourages applications from diverse applicants. We define diversity as people of different backgrounds, races, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, beliefs, religions, socio-economic statuses, and more, and inclusivity as an approach where we respect, welcome, encourage, and engage diverse perspectives. Our strength and success as a research group, department, and university, is built on the foundation of a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Responsibilities:

Research and communication (70%)

  *   Evaluate population structure and demography and generate haplotype reference panel using high coverage (~50x) genomes from 37 A. cervicornis genotypes sampled from sites throughout the Caribbean
  *   Analyze shallow whole genome sequencing data for an additional ~400 genotypes of A. cervicornis from throughout the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas for population structure and environmental and thermal tolerance trait associations.
  *   Generate reproducible work-flows and protocols and maintain them in publicly available repositories
  *   Report results in the form of scholarly manuscripts and presentations at conferences and other research and applied forums to disseminate findings to the broader community of scientists and restoration practitioners.
  *   Conduct occasional fieldwork to procure specimens and support related lab research aims as relevant/desired

Professional development: (15%)

  *   Develop skills and expertise by participating in laboratory and group meetings and undertake further training as required
  *   Pursue additional research opportunities consistent with ultimate career goals
  *   Build positive relationships with partner organizations in order to exchange information and translate results for reef restoration applications

Mentorship and engagement (15%)

  *   Supervising and training graduate and undergraduate students in population genomic analyses
  *   Contribute to shared lab duties on a rotational basis

Preferred Qualifications - items are essential (E) or desirable (D)

Knowledge and experience

  *   PhD in relevant discipline (genomics, ecology/evolution, organismal biology or similar) (E)
  *   Knowledge of population genomics (E)
  *   Proven experience analyzing genomic data (E)
  *   Prior experience with analysis of whole genome data (D)
  *   Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems (D)

Skills and abilities

  *   Experience with command-line programming and high performance computing systems (E)
  *   Proficiency in one or more programming languages (D)
  *   Proven ability to communicate through scholarly publications and presentations (E)
  *   The ability to work independently and with minimal supervision using a systematic, orderly and responsible approach to routine duties, security, storage, and record keeping (E)
  *   Able to anticipate, recognize and resolve problems at an early stage (E)
  *   Excellent teamwork and good interpersonal skills (E)
  *   A practical understanding and application of health and safety in the work place (E)

Personal attributes

  *   Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (E)
  *   Willingness to work flexibly to achieve lab objectives (E)
  *   Commitment to own learning and professional development (E)

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $64,480 - $66,560. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Required Documents and Additional Information:

  *   Please submit a CV, contact information for up to three references and a cover letter outlining your fit with the position description and desired qualifications listed above (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
  *   Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.

<<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>><<<>>>
Dr. Carly D. Kenkel (she/her)
Wilford and Daris Zinsmeyer Early Career Chair in Marine Studies
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Southern California
3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF 231
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0371
Office: +1 (213) 821-1705
Email: ckenkel at usc.edu
Twitter: @DrCarlsHorn
http://dornsife.usc.edu/labs/carlslab

How to pronounce my name: https://www.name-coach.com/carly-kenkel