Career Center

The successful candidate will work on an NSF-funded project led by Dr. Melissa Lehti-Shiu and Dr. Shin-Han Shiu to connect sequences to functions within and between species. The specific goals of the project are to 1) use computational modeling to predict the functions of cis-elements and genes based on features such as DNA sequence, methylation, and expression and 2) perform experimental studies to validate the computational predictions. The duties will include collecting and compiling feature data from the literature and/or data repositories, performing validation experiments in the model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato, and participating in the development of machine learning prediction models. This position offers a unique opportunity to interact with both computational scientists and experimental biologists, gain experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students, participate in career development workshops and related events on campus, and disseminate findings in national meetings and in public outreach events.

Minimum Requirements

• A Ph.D. in cellular or molecular biology, plant biology, or related field.
• Experience with molecular cloning techniques and generating transgenic plants. Experience using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is desired but not required.
• An interest in learning how computational approaches can be used to address biological questions (programming experience is not required).

Desired qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organization, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

Required Application Materials

• A letter of intent explaining why the candidate is suitable for the position
• CV with information about educational background, publications, teaching experience, awards and/or grants, outreach experience, contact information for at least three references, and any other information the candidate finds relevant