Post Doctoral Position in Bioinformatics: EvoDevOmics of shark skin teeth

Shark EvoDevOmics: Evolution and development of shark skin teeth from genotype to phenotype to prototype.

NSF-Funded postdoctoral position in shark developmental transcriptomics is available in the Laboratory of Gareth Fraser (www.fraser-lab.net) at the Department of Biology, University of Florida. The central themes of our lab are evolutionary developmental biology, and stem and regenerative biology of tooth-like structures in sharks. This NSF-funded project, in collaboration with Professor George Lauder at Harvard University, and Dr. Elizabeth Sibert at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, seeks to integrate deep time, development and design for the study of shark skin denticles.

We are looking for a motivated and creative scientist to assist in developing the shark as an EvoDevo model system, with expertise in analyzing high-throughput sequencing datasets who will link transcriptomics (bulk, single-cell) and bioinformatics with evolutionary developmental biology of shark skin teeth. The primary focus of this position will be generating and handling developmental RNAseq data to understand the development and cyclical regeneration of shark skin denticles. This project will aim to compare the development of shark skin teeth with the highly regenerative oral teeth.

In addition, training will include using new methods to understand denticle and tooth development, denticle morphogenesis, digital imaging (nanoCT), and in vitro and ex vivo culture of shark dental and skin tissue. Our developmental and RNAseq dataset will be used as the basis for novel engineering design solutions, in collaboration with Harvard University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. This project will offer a range of training opportunities including, hands-on shark embryology and developmental biology techniques, assisting in the development of a ‘design a shark’ virtual reality (VR) environment and educational tool, and other outreach opportunities. A major component of this project is the rollout of ‘accessible sharks’; a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) training program, specifically designed for students with disabilities. In addition, we will encourage and nurture the candidates own creativity and research tangents; so, there will be huge potential here to develop a project that suits the selected candidate’s interests and skill set, related to the focal themes of the project.

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a full benefits package. The start date is somewhat flexible and the applicant selected for this position could begin as early as January 2023.

Qualifications

We seek application from candidates with a PhD in the general field of biological sciences and experience with RNAseq (transcriptomics) or genomic analysis tools and bioinformatics. A keen interest in developmental biology/embryology, regenerative and stem cell biology, evodevo, palaeobiology, vertebrate phylogeny, diversity and morphology, is desirable.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, candidates should send (i) a CV; (ii) a statement of research interests and motivation, and (iii) names and email addresses of three referees to Dr. Gareth Fraser g.fraser@ufl.edu

For informal inquiries or more general information about the position, feel free to contact Dr. Gareth Fraser.

email: g.fraser@ufl.edu

Website: www.fraser-lab.net

Phone: (352) 273-4758;

Twitter: @garethjfraser

Application deadline is December 31^st, 2022.

All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks, and verification of education.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law. If an accommodation due to disability is needed in order to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment.

Closing Date: 31^st December 2022

Scientific fields: bioinformatics, RNAseq, evolutionary developmental biology, EvoDevOmics, Morphogenesis, stem cells, regeneration.

Model systems: Cartilaginous fishes

NSF award information: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2128032&HistoricalAwards=false

Duration: Fixed term for 2 years (extension is possible).

Minimum qualifications: PhD