Postdoctoral Scholar in Biological Anthropology/ Medical Genetics

Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral scholar position at the University of Calgary, Canada, that will span the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, and the Department of Medical Genetics. Funding for this position is provided by the University of Calgary’s Eyes High Strategy in support of recruiting exceptional postdoctoral scholars.

The postdoctoral scholar will spearhead a new line of collaborative research uniting the University of Calgary (Amanda Melin), New York University (James Higham), and the University of Tokyo (Shoji Kawamura). This research will address the genetic underpinnings of variation in perceptual abilities of non-human primates, including cone ratios, colour vision, acuity, and age-related changes in vision, the retina, lens, and other ocular tissues as well as their evolutionary and biomedical significance. Analyses will capitalize on a large tissue bank and integrate genomics, transcriptomics, and morphology. The goal is to probe both evolutionary and evolutionarily-informed biomedical questions about the effects of age, sex, and genotype on retinal morphology, gene expression, and disease phenotypes.

Minimum requirements of applicants, by the time of appointment, are a Ph.D. degree in biological anthropology, biology, genetics/genomics, or a related field. Graduates (received PhD) from the University of Calgary are not eligible. The appointment must commence within five years of the PhD degree being awarded. Applicants must have relevant experience in analysis of genomic datasets, and demonstrate a strong record of original research and scholarship. Ideal applicants will also have experience handling biological tissues, DNA / RNA extraction, or training in anatomy, especially related to ocular morphology.

The start date for the position is negotiable but must begin in 2019. The postdoctoral scholar will receive $55 000 CAD in salary annually, as well as health benefits. Interested applicants should email application materials (letter of application summarizing interests, skills and goals, CV, and contact information for 3 referees) to Amanda Melin (amanda.melin@ucalgary.ca), subject line “EHPDS application”.

The University of Calgary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. There are no citizenship requirements. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, or disability or any other legally protected basis.