Research Associate in the Genetic Heritage Group (Human Population Genomics and Microbiome) - Prof. Aashish Jha

A full-time Research Associate position is available in the Genetic Heritage Group at Program of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Abu Dhabi, UAE. The group uses genetics to understand human heritage. Research projects include population genetics, gut microbiomes, and food microbiomes. We are currently focusing on population histories of Himalayan populations (over 120 ethnolinguistic groups of Nepal), their adaptations to local selective pressures (altitudes, pathogens, diet, etc.), gut microbial diversity using 16S amplicons, metagenomics and metabolomics (across subsistence strategies, environments), and microbes of traditional fermented foods.

The successful candidate will work with Assistant Professor Aashish Jha and will be involved in studies mainly focused on, but not limited to two major themes in the lab:

1) 1000 Himalayan Genomes (HimalGen Project) and

2) Gut and food microbiomics.

Based on the results from these two studies, several future projects will be developed.

1. HimalGen Project: This is a collaborative project that focuses on analysis of large-scale population genetic data from modern and ancient human populations from Asia. The candidate will use genotyping data from over 1000 individuals from more than 50 modern Himalayan populations and available ancient DNA in understanding human population histories in the Himalaya, identifying genes and pathways underlying adaptations to local environment, and assessing the prevalence of disease associated variants in these populations.
2. Gut and food microbiomics: This project aims to understand how the microbes in food interact with those in the gut using multiomics approaches. A substantial part of this work will involve genomics capacity development in LMICs and will involve technology transfer (sequencing and analytical methods) to LMICs. Therefore, a substantial portion of this work will be done in collaboration with a local laboratory in Nepal.

Genetic Heritage Group receives generous investment from NYUAD and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation a portion of which will go towards funding this position. Successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with a diverse group of international researchers (e.g. Stanford University, Ghent University) and develop additional independent lines of research in these and related areas.

We seek a self-motivated, collaborative, independent, open-minded, and intellectually curious individual with a recent PhD in Human Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Genomics, Systems Biology, or related fields required at the time of appointment. Deserving candidates should be able to lead multiple projects independently. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‐making skills, as well as the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.

Required skills:

• Must have a strong background in population genetics and/or microbiome data analysis.
• Must have demonstrated knowledge in human population genetics and/or gut microbiome analysis.
• Must have demonstrated strong bioinformatics skills from publications or code repositories.
• Must have an interest in human population genomics as well as microbiome data analysis.
• Some background in wet lab work such as DNA extraction, library prep, Illumina sequencing is a plus but not necessary.
• Must have demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• The position is initially available for 24 months. Extension beyond two years is possible.
• Salary will be commensurate with experience, and full benefits are included. Benefits include generous allowances for housing, children's tuition, and personal travel.
• NYUAD has a small but interactive group of faculty who conduct high quality research and publish in top tier peer-reviewed journals. NYUAD is geographically centrally located and is only a few hours from Europe, Africa, and South Asia.

To apply, please submit a letter of application, a CV, a statement of research interests, and the contact information for three references.

Inquiries can be also be directed to Aashish Jha (jhaar@nyu.edu).

About NYUAD

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU's global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.

UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply.