We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to join our team who is interested in applying cross-species multiomics approaches, including the powerful single cell or nuclei technology, to comparatively understand natural models of human disease. Research in the Warren group is directed toward using species that exhibit phenotypes that mimic human disease states but that are adaptations for the species’ specific environment. Through the diverse use of a comparative toolbox of non-traditional model organisms, evolutionary medicine, coupled with sequencing and gene editing technologies, has provided a conceptual framework to study these adaptations, thus providing indispensable biological insight. Our group is dynamic and interactive, and most projects require close teamwork among senior scientists, graduate students, postdocs, and staff promoting excellent opportunities for acquiring new skills.

Project

Natural models of human disease represent species that exhibit phenotypes that mimic human disease states but that are adaptations for the species’ specific environment. Species in which traits have naturally evolved in response to extreme environmental stressors offer unique and complementary models in this sense. A type of remarkable genetic resilience occurs, resulting in disease-like phenotypes, but they are not sick. Amongst these emerging models, natural trait alterations in the Mexican cavefish Astyanax mexicanus, has offered incredible insight into many adaptive phenotypes with disease relevance. We collaborate with several laboratory groups in the A. mexicanus community that are taking advantage of this model to investigate the unique molecular mechanisms underlying obesity, sleep disorders, diabetes, heart regeneration, and many other phenomena. Using a comparative genomics toolbox the Warren lab in collaboration with members of this community offers a framework to study these fascinating adaptations, thus providing indispensable biological insight into trait origins.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates should be highly innovative and motivated individuals with general experience in comparative genomics, transcriptome analysis and bioinformatics. This person’s primary responsibilities include producing, analyzing, and publishing high-throughput bioinformatics data generated on a NIH funded project using cutting-edge techniques. Our group has already produced single nuclei data sets of several species that each reveal novel cell types and their associated molecular circuitry. We have access to genomics and bioinformatics cores at University of Missouri as well as state-of-the-art genetically edited fish in a collaboration with the Stowers Institute. The successful applicant will have the opportunity for further training in translational research, in vivo model systems, infectious disease model systems, and a range of immunological techniques.

Candidates will be evaluated on having earned, by the time of appointment, a PhD with experience in bioinformatics and Next Generation Sequencing data analysis, knowledge of current best practices in transcriptomics, proficiency in UNIX command line and high-performance computing, script writing skills using at least one language (R, Python or Perl), and documented proficiency in verbal and written communication in English. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and have the capacity for independent evaluation of the literature. Prior knowledge in primary cell or nuclei isolation, molecular biology methods, and single cell approaches would be an added benefit.

The University of Missouri offers an excellent salary and benefits package. This position is funded for 3 years. Interested applicants should send a brief statement of interest and curriculum vitae with contact information by applying on the University website.

This position is eligible for University benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Diversity Commitment

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving  the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.

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Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice President of Human Resource Services/Affirmative Action officer at 573-882-7976.

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