Description

Area:   Medical Genetics/Genomics/C. elegans
Duration:   1 year with possibility of extension
Start Date:   Negotiable
Salary:   Negotiable

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar focused on high throughput identification of genetic modifiers, genetic interactions, using a model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans.

The available position is part of the multidisciplinary research program in the Tarailo-Graovac group which combines human and model organism (Caenorhabditis elegans) genomics and traditional molecular genetics approaches to understand genetic modifiers of rare human disease with focus on diseases related to centriole biogenesis deficiencies. We also study diseases related to deficiencies in mRNA biogenesis. We utilize high throughput genetic screens, whole genome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out and knock-in methods to better understand human disease.

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with strong interest in genetic interactions, human disease, penetrance/expressivity, phenotype-genotype correlations and deeper understanding of the mechanisms associated with proper centriole function or mechanisms related to proper mRNA biogenesis. The ideal candidate will have expertise in C. elegans molecular techniques and a passion for research.

Job Description:

• Keeping up-to-date with scientific advances (e.g. relevant literature review, scientific meetings)
• Designing projects and experiments
• Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 procedures in C. elegans to model human disease
• Compiling, analyzing and interpreting diverse sets of data (e.g. phenomics, genomics, transcriptomics)
• Writing study reports, manuscripts
• Communicating results: conference presentations, collaborators nationally and internationally
• Validating bioinformatics discoveries experimentally
• Providing supervision and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students
• Reporting to Dr. Tarailo-Graovac and the team on the progress during regular individual and lab meetings

Qualifications:

• PhD, with 2 years or less of post-PhD research
• Demonstrated excellence (e.g. peer reviewed publications, relevant resources or alternative forms of research output)
• Knowledge/interest in model organisms, C. elegans in particular
• Extensive knowledge of genetics
• Experience working with animal models of disease
• Experience in molecular genetics
• The candidate is expected to show
  • Drive and enthusiasm to both lead and work as a member of a team
  • Creativity, initiative and good judgment for multi-tasking in a deadline oriented environment
  • Effective oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to learn new skills quickly
  • Enthusiasm for highly interdisciplinary research and drive to explore emerging techniques
  • Accuracy and attention to detail

Application Details:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter with research interests, statement on their future goals, and fit with the group’s research focus, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference to Dr. Maja Tarailo-Graovac at maja.tarailograovac@ucalgary.ca. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The position will be open until suitable candidate is identified.