Research Associate Comparative Genomics & Phylogenomics of Anaerobic Protists University

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology ( ) invites applications for a Research Associate in the laboratory of Prof. Andrew J. Roger. This full-time (grant-funded) position is for a two-year term. Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate will work on a project aimed at comparative and evolutionary genomics/phylogenetics of anaerobic protists and associated bacteria.

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct all wet-lab and computational aspects of a project involving long and short-read genome sequencing, de novo assembly, metagenomic binning, genome annotation and downstream analyses of gene content and genome architecture in a comparative/evolutionary framework, individually or as part of a team.
• Assist the PI in mentoring trainees in the laboratory by teaching them skills in genomics, bioinformatics and evolutionary analysis and how to interpret their analyses.
• Present findings at regular lab meetings and other seminars both in the university and at scientific meetings.
• Write findings in manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

Evening and weekend work may be required on an occasional basis to meet operational requirements.

Minimal Qualifications / Requirements

• Ph.D in Molecular Evolution or related discipline, with a minimum of 5 years related experience in microbial genomics, evolution and phylogenomics, with a strong record of publishing in high impact journals.
• Extensive research experience in comparative microbial genomics of free-living anaerobic protists, Archaea and Bacteria, as well as documented experience with metagenomic binning and genome assembly.
• Proven experience with addressing eukaryogenesis-related phylogenetic problems including the origin of mitochondria.
• Strong skills in bioinformatics and demonstrated proficiency in Linux and Python programming.
• Proven experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing, Illumina sequencing, de novo genome assembly of microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes, gene prediction/curation and functional annotation of microbial eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes.
• Advanced knowledge phylogenomic analyses and the use of site-profile mixture models in a Bayesian and Maximum likelihood context as well as diagnosis of phylogenetic artefacts occurring in deep tree of life inferences.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience guiding trainees in bioinformatics skills.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2

SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .