Postdoctoral Research Associate – Vilgalys Evolutionary Immunogenomics Lab

Position Summary

The Evolutionary Immunogenomics Lab (PI: Dr. Tauras Vilgalys) at the University of Georgia, Department of Genetics is looking for a highly motivated and independent individual to work as a Postdoctoral Associate.

Our goal is to discover how natural populations resist infectious diseases and use those insights to improve human health. Projects in the lab combine high throughput functional genomics, bioinformatics, and in vitro experimental systems to address questions related to primate evolution, host-pathogen evolution, and gene-by-environment interactions. The successful candidate will contribute to project design and pursue projects that integrate functional, evolutionary, and/or immuno-genomic approaches.

This position is for a post-PhD trainee preparing for a research scientist career path. The planned position will provide a transition to career independence through the development of professional skills; supervision by senior scientist incorporating individual development plan in support of training goals and those of faculty mentor; and publication of research findings/scholarship during postdoc appointment period. For appropriate projects, the candidate may have the opportunity to mentor junior scientists in the lab.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research, including project design, execution, and dissemination.
  Percentage of time:
  80
• Mentorship and other contributions to the professional development and training of undergraduates, graduate students, and other scientists in the lab.
  Percentage of time:
  20

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position

• Ph.D. in genetics/genomics, immunology, evolutionary biology, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• We particularly welcome candidates with knowledge and skills in all or some of these areas: Immunology, genome regulation, evolutionary genomics, and mammalian cell culture.
• Evidence of capacity for highly productive, independent research activity
• The candidate should have excellent communication, time-management, and leadership skills.
• English language proficiency (written and verbal) is essential.
• The ideal candidate will be able to lead projects involving mammalian cell culture, immunological assays, and functional genomics.