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Molecular Genomics Post-Doctoral Scientist Conservation Genetics

Employer
ASSOCIATION ZOOS & AQAURIUMS
Location
Omaha, Nebraska, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jul 30, 2021

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Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Molecular Genomics Post-Doctoral Scientist Conservation Genetics
Job Title: Molecular Genomics Post-Doctoral Scientist Conservation Genetics

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours: Full-time

Please submit your CV with the contact information for 3 professional references, a letter describing your interests and goals, and copies of a few publications.

About us:

We are an equal opportunity employer that sets out to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals, their habitats and their conservation, both locally and from a far. Together, we can preserve and enhance the legacy of the zoo and its species for future generations to come! We are Nebraska's #1 tourist attraction and consistently ranked among the top zoos in the world!

About the team:

A team of about 300 full-time and 650 part-time staff members strong, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium benefits the lives of more than 1,415 species across 162 acres of land. We also support the efforts of numerous field conservation projects and research projects that help ensure a future for endangered and critically endangered flora and fauna around the world, even right here in Nebraska! Our team makes a big impart and every role is essential to move our conservation mission forward. From the much-needed Keepers to care for our species to the important Food and Beverage employees helping us gain funds to further continue our mission. This is definitely a unique place to work, employees are exposed to a fun atmosphere, where each workday is never the same. Our zoo is world-class with unmatched scenery to help you get through your duties!

About Omaha:

There's just something about living in Omaha. Something that makes you feel alive and in the moment. Maybe it's the shorter drive times or the lower cost of living. Or maybe it's the world-class dining, arts and entertainment that are never too far away. Most likely, it's the combination of those things that help you settle in and show out, living your best life in one of America's most up-and-coming cities. Here are a few things that make Omaha easy for us to call home!

Work: The average commute is 20.2 minutes. #8 City for the Best Work-Life Balance. (Kisi, 2019)

Cost of living: 27% less than the national average. A one-bedroom apartments rent is 21% below average. (National Association of Realtors, "Median Sales Price of Existing Single-Family Homes for Metropolitan Areas")

Hobbies: Home to 85+ miles of paved, interconnected trails for walking, jogging and biking. 30+ lake communities along with 14 state parks all within 40 miles. (Yelp, 2017)

About the role:

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with interest/expertise in the generation and analysis of next-generation sequencing data of lemurs, tortoises, and other taxa from Madagascar. The Postdoctoral Scientist will report directly to the Director of Conservation Genetics. Learn more at www.MadagascarPartnership.org

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

The successful applicant will be proficient in the construction genomic libraries and in solution hybridization methodologies for high throughput sequencing as well as all relevant analysis of large datasets and manage next-generation sequence workflows.

The researchers will be responsible for development, implementation, and support of software applications related to variant detection and interpretation from high-throughput experiments involving multiple species of lemurs, tortoises, and taxa from Madagascar.

Assembly of whole genomes is in-progress but will likely require additional analysis pertinent to specific research projects.

Interested candidates should be highly motivated, organized, independent, and have extensive experience with molecular genomics and bioinformatics, and be able to efficiently write and revise manuscripts.

Data on a variety from a variety of species has already been generated, thus candidates will be able to quickly start analysis and manuscript preparation.

Travel to Madagascar to support the field programs of Omaha Zoo and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership to Madagascar is required for a single five-week interval once a year.

Position will be part of an on-going team of rotating postdoc fellows. This position is expected to begin in late 2021 or early 2022. Initial appointment will be for two years, with possibility to extend to three years.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The applicant should hold a PhD in bioinformatics, computer science, molecular genomics or related field and have more than one year of experience in high-throughput genome sequence analysis.

Applicant should be experienced at software related to next generation sequencing data and be able to manipulate genomic data for phylogenetics and phylogeography.

Our group's focus is large-scale sequencing for phylogenetics, phylogeography and evolutionary studies of lemurs (specifically the genera Daubentonia, Eulemur, Lepilemur, Microcebus, Propithecus, and Varecia) and tortoises (genera Astrochelys and Pyxis) from Madagascar. Thus, previous experience in genome assemblies, annotation and analysis of a variety of next generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines is preferable.

The ideal candidate will be independent, highly motivated, productive, and able to work effectively in a team with members from a variety of diverse backgrounds and have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

The successful applicant must be interested in interdisciplinary science and field research and have a solid publication record that illustrates ability to conduct novel, independent research.

Candidate should have 3+ years of experience in molecular biology, genetics, or bioinformatics.

The position requires proficiency in programming (perl or python) and bash scripting using Linux operating systems.

Applicants are also expected to be familiar with bioinformatics tools, should be able to implement complex computational pipelines, incorporate genomics databases and have extensive and creditable laboratory experience with constructing genomic libraries.

The applicant will need to work closely with two full time technicians to manage NGS lab work, as well as with a full time bioinformatician.

While in Omaha the researchers will work with a variety of Malagasy graduate students and is expected to assist with the progression of a variety of projects and assist with completion of their degrees and peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Based on all these above duties requires a candidate with excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to train and teach both national and international audiences is necessary.

Candidates must also be able to jump between projects, based on needs of the research group.

Strong people skills, detailed oriented, willingness to learn and contribute, follow directions, meets deadlines

Candidates might be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative TB test, and possess a valid driver's license with a good history.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.

Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo.

Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.

Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

Employee Benefits:

Eligible employees at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium are provided a wide range of benefits. Throughout the hiring process we will provide you with more benefit details and which ones apply to your role.

Medical insurance.

Vision insurance.

Sick leave accrual.

Uniforms are provided.

Free annual tickets for rides.

Free Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park membership for you and your immediate family.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3701 S 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68107
Phone: 4027338401
Fax: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

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