We seek a talented, motivated computational biology postdoc to join Nick Luscombe’s Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit (www.luscombelab.org) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). The postdoc will apply state-of-the-art whole-genome techniques to analyse chromosomal organisation, evolution and population structure of zooplanktons sampled from local and distant oceans (see the videos on OISTs website). The lab is happy, international and interactive; the ~8 students, technicians and senior scientists are recruited worldwide from a range of academic backgrounds. Postdocs from our lab have an excellent track record of moving onto PI positions.
Our research
Oikopleura dioica is a globally distributed, tunicate plankton that is commonly used for developmental studies due to its short life cycle (5 days), high fecundity and small genome (50 times smaller than ours). As a close relative of vertebrates, it occupies a key phylogenetic position within the chordate phylum and so is of great evolutionary interest. The genome of a North Atlantic strain revealed that O. dioica is the fastest-evolving metazoan reported so far. Its 70-megabase genome has undergone extreme compaction and extensive gene rearrangements. However, despite such changes, O. dioica still has around 18,000 genes, maintains a typical chordate body plan and shares similar early developmental trajectories. Using nanopore sequencing, we have produced de-novo chromosomal assemblies for single individuals of the Okinawan O. dioica strain, which displays extraordinary divergence from the Atlantic one despite their identical morphologies. Our dataset is unique in its kind, leveraging methodologies that will be at the core of genomic studies in the future, while at the same time being computationally accessible thanks to the much smaller size of O. dioica’s genome.
About you
The ideal candidate will have recently completed or be completing a PhD degree in Biology (molecular biology, genetics, genomics), Computational Biology (bioinformatics, systems biology) or Statistics. Applicants must have a proven publication record. Fluency in Linux, and excellent knowledge in a programming language is expected (Perl, Python, C/C++, R/BioConductor, MatLab etc). Prior experience with handling genome-scale data is advantageous. Postdocs are expected to develop and lead projects, and help supervise junior members of the laboratory. The ability to work in a team is essential.
How to Apply
See details at https://www.oist.jp/careers/postdoctoral-researcher-plankton-genomics. To apply send a CV and motivation letter. Please contact nicholas.luscombe@oist.jp and charles.plessy@oist.jp for more information. Closing date: 31 July 2019
