Computational Metagenomics Postdoctoral Scholar – Berkeley, CA, United States

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Computational Metagenomics Postdoctoral Scholar – 90866

Organization: JG-Joint Genome Institute

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) Joint Genome Institute (JGI, https://jgi.doe.gov/) Division has an opening for a Computational Biologist Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will lead comparative analyses of multi ‘omics datasets to address questions regarding microbial and viral genomic diversity, metabolic activity of key populations in microbiomes of interest, and virus: host interactions in the environment. This work will be conducted in collaboration with JGI and IMG users, and focus especially on time-series and/or paired metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from model soil and freshwater ecosystems, such as the North Temperate Lakes LTER, East River watershed, and Green Butte sites. Additional tasks will include Research & Development activities such as testing and troubleshooting new comparative metagenomics approaches. The expected workload will be 100% computational, and this position will report to the Deputy Head of the JGI Metagenome Science Program.

What You Will Do:

• Extract and annotate microbial and viral genomes from metagenomes using standard pipelines.
• Perform taxonomic and functional analysis of microbial and viral MAGs across (time-series) metagenomics data.
• Perform eco-evolutionary analysis of microbial and viral populations from paired multi’omics datasets.
• Coordinate with JGI/IMG users and collaborators to integrate the multi’omics analysis with other ongoing studies of the same sampling site(s).
• Generate detailed reports and data packages with extensive documentation.
• Attend group meetings and present status reports and scientific findings.
• Summarize research results and publish in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific research papers and reports.
• Monitor recent literature for newly developed approaches in time-series metagenomics / paired multi’omics and test these new approaches if relevant.
• Identify steps that could be automated, and design corresponding pipelines for multi’omics analysis.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Contribute to metagenome program activities, including e.g. technical reviews of user proposals.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and tracking spreadsheets.
• Lead, mentor, and train graduate students, technical staff and other group members as necessary.

What Is Required:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, or related field.
• Expertise in environmental metagenomics, microbial genomics, and viral genomics.
• Familiarity with common sequence analysis tools including genome binning, remote homology searches such as HMMER and HHSearch, phylogenetic reconstruction, etc.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to troubleshoot computational processes and provide meaningful biological interpretation of ‘omics data.
• Efficient organizational and record-keeping skills with the ability to organize and present analysis reports to JGI Users and staff.
• Excellent written communication skills with demonstrated experience in preparing research publications.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the IMG & IMG/MER system.
• Knowledge of (meta)genomic standards such as the Genomic Standard Consortium MIMAG and MIUViG checklists.
• Experience with paired metatranscriptomic/metagenomic analyses.
• Experience with large-scale data analysis (e.g. integrated analysis of > 100 datasets).
• Experience establishing effective collaborations and interacting with members of the scientific, instrumentation, and informatics communities.

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on September 18, 2020.

Notes: 

• This is a full time, 1 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 4 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

How To Apply

Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=186288 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.

Learn About Us:

JGI & Berkeley Lab: A View to Fuel Innovative Science in the Public Interest

They say it’s all about location and Berkeley Lab has it all: a view above the San Francisco Bay, cool breezes, and world-class multidisciplinary science within a diverse and respectful research ecosystem of 5,000 people. Nearly 90 years ago, Ernest Orlando Lawrence, the inventor of the cyclotron, brought physicists, biologists, engineers and mathematicians together in Berkeley above the University of California campus to tackle the most urgent scientific challenges. Today, after garnering 13 Nobel Prizes, Berkeley Lab has sustained and grown that tradition of open, interdisciplinary team science, exemplified by how the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) addresses the most pressing energy and environmental challenges using integrative genome science approaches. JGI takes up residence in the new, state-of-the-art Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) along with the U.S. Department of Energy Systems Biology Knowledgebase (KBase) to expand the frontiers of energy and environmental science in partnership with the worldwide community of researchers. Will you join us and be a critical part of our next ground-breaking discoveries?

Berkeley Lab (LBNL, http://www.lbl.gov/) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here (https://hr.lbl.gov/).

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Click here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) to view the poster and supplement: “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.”