Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Food Science - UTIA

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Food Science is seeking two post-doctoral research associates to work in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Denes at the University of Tennessee. The projects involve sequencing and genomic analysis of enteric pathogens to explore the genomic diversity and gene content of the strains causing illness in Tennessee. The postdoctoral research associates will attend routine cluster surveillance meetings with the TN Department of Health and may assist with outbreak investigations. Postdoctoral researchers will also have the opportunity to collaborate on projects associated with the TN Food Safety Center of Excellence.

Requirements

PhD in microbiology, food science, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, computational biology or similarly related field.
Candidates who are in the process of obtaining the degree may be considered if a defense date is set and the applicant’s major advisor confirms that graduation is on track.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience (publications and/or presentations) in fields related to microbiology, genomics, or computational biology.
Experience with Linux and basic programming (e.g., Python, Bash, etc.) is preferred, but applicants with a strong interest in learning these skills will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Work with microbiologists to develop a pipeline for analysis of Campylobacter spp. whole genome sequencing data. This will involve processing of raw sequencing reads, genome assembly, submission of data to public databases, variant mapping, and phylogenetic analysis.
Work with public health professionals at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). The role in this joint effort will be to provide data based on outputs from the pipeline, which will inform TDH investigations of campylobacteriosis within Tennessee.
Assist with knowledge transfer by participating as part of a team in workshop and webinar development and delivery.