Postdoc – Human Evolutionary/ Biomedical Genetics

ARC Postdoctoral Research Associate – Human Evolutionary/ Biomedical Genetics
Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), The University of Adelaide

Salary: 1.0 FTE, Level A, AU$76,283-81,836 per annum plus up to 17 % Superannuation applies.

Project: Biomedical population genetics of ancient human DNA

A 3 year post-doctoral position is available on a project using bioinformatics techniques to analyse ancient human biomedical and genomic information, with a focus on the origins and spread of diseases. The position will head an internationally competitive research team working closely with Harvard, Max Planck Institutes, Sanger Centre and UCSD, to develop and apply field leading population genetics approaches. The aim of the program is to trace the evolution and spread of biomedically relevant markers through ancient populations and genomes, using existing and newly generated data. The position will work closely with the new ACAD-Australian National Data Service Online Ancient Genome Repository (OAGR) for ancient human genome and microbiome data, as well as population genetics specialists, archaeologists, and ancient DNA researchers from around the world.

The project is situated within the ACAD and will combine state state-of-the-art genetics, bioinformatics, and genomics tools, and is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) for a period of 3 years with immediate start. The project is embedded in an ARC Laureate FL140100260 ‘Using ancient genomes and microbiomes to reconstruct human history’ to Prof. Alan Cooper.

The successful applicant will head a team that utilises anthropological and archaeological collections to generate paleogenomics data. While the position focuses on bioinformatics and population genetics analyses, there is scope for the generation of new ancient human data using the large collections of material available at ACAD and collaborators. S/he will develop and integrate analytical methods and pipelines for the analysis of large ancient genomic datasets, and co-supervise a group of postgraduate students in collaboration with overseas colleagues and the University’s School of Mathematical Sciences.

Applicants should have completed a PhD in biomedical genetics, population genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, ancient DNA or any relevant discipline, and preferentially have a keen interest in human evolution, disease, and archaeology. The successful appointee will have evidence of strong oral and written communication and organisation skills, demonstrated abilities to publish in scientific journals, present research at international conferences/committees, but also to present research in a meaningful and appealing format to the public. The applicant is expected to be passionate about research, capable of working both independently and as part of a larger team, and have demonstrated leadership skills. Experience with postgraduate student supervision is desirable.

Enquires about the job specifications should be directed to
Dr Laura Weyrich (laura.weyrich@adelaide.edu.au) or
Prof Alan Cooper (alan.cooper@adelaide.edu.au).

Interested applicants are encouraged to send a CV including a cover letter detailing, background experience and motivation, and addressing the key selection criteria of the job aspects above. Note applicants are invited to formally apply through the University of Adelaide’s job listing page at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/jobs/.
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