Hudsonalpha - Postdoctoral Fellow - Clevenger Lab

Position: Research: Postdoctoral Associate - Clevenger Lab

Position Type: Full-Time

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Josh Clevenger laboratory uses genomics to support molecular breeding with an emphasis on promoting sustainable agriculture. Emphasis is on tool development for direct application in breeding, including optimizing methods for genetic mapping with emphasis on functional variant discovery, innovating using pangenomes for more accurate identification of genes controlling traits of interest, developing novel pipelines for genotyping structured populations quickly and cost-effectively, and optimizing and deploying genome-assisted breeding techniques. The lab will support the breeding efforts of nascent breeding programs in Alabama with a current focus on peanut. The work is product driven, involves understanding whole agricultural systems and working across all disciplines of plant biology and agronomy, and is fast paced. We will publish high-impact science, but the emphasis will be on direct real-world gains for food producers; higher yields, disease resistance, stress tolerance, nutritive value.

The Clevenger lab uses genomics to support molecular breeding efforts in the United States and globally. Khufu (hudsonalpha.org/khufudata) is a genomics platform that utilizes whole genome sequencing for gene discovery, crop improvement, and breeding. Collaborations with public and private groups facilitate discoveries that advance dozens of plant and animal species.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clevenger Lab is seeking a post-doctoral associate to innovate cutting edge genomics to accelerate crop improvement. Specifically, the post-doctoral associate will integrate pangenomics with large-scale low coverage sequencing to translate genomics to applied crop improvement. The post-doctoral associate will pursue independent research as well as synergize ongoing projects in the Clevenger lab, including the HudsonAlpha wiregrass community breeding program, and other collaborative projects.

JOB-SPECIFIC TASKS

The Post Doc:

• Conducts and contributes to original research under the guidance of Faculty Investigator(s)
• Provides expertise in research program design, conduct and analysis
• Prepares manuscripts and co-authors papers for publication in high-quality journals
• Present findings to the scientific community
• Assists in the mentoring and teaching of research staff
• Helps ensure that the research methods and ultimate work product are reflective of the highest scientific standards of integrity, quality and confidence
• Exhibits curiosity and enthusiasm for discovery; embraces the ever-changing scientific environment
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

• Doctoral degree from accredited institution in plant breeding, plant biology, biotechnology, genetics, or related field
• Familiarity with computational biology and genome sequencing techniques highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
• Experience advising on research methodology and analysis as well as ability to interpret laboratory results and provide conclusions
• Demonstrated ability to advance projects, managing multiple tasks and priorities
• Proficiency with molecular laboratory software, tools and equipment

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Frequently moving between work areas.
• Frequently moving, transporting, and positioning materials up to 30 pounds.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Environmental Factors

• Exposure to chemical, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes, and airborne particles.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Mental Functions

• Continuous mental and visual attention, requiring sustained attention and observation.
• Excellent fine motor skills and hand control in order to pipette accurately.
• Ability to sustain focus during research procedures (to maintain protocol such as order of operations).
• Ability to visually observe results and record outcomes on lab logs and/or PC.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Extensive documentation skills, good attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.
• Requires the ability to adapt to change efficiently.
• Ability to independently lead and conduct research, and to evaluate, interpret and present complex scientific data.
• Capacity to work productively within functionally diverse teams as well as collaborate with external investigators and partners in academic and industrial settings.
• Ability to prioritize issues and use sound judgment to recognize when additional consultation and/or help is needed.
• Comfortable working on multiple projects at one time.
• Strong logical thinking and deduction skills.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and information in various formats to a wide range of audiences.
• Positive, flexible, and professional attitude. Frequent operation of office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners) and laboratory equipment.
• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull/push, grasp/squeeze, wrist flexion/extension, reach to operate and maintain laboratory equipment.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.