Postdoctoral Research Scholar 0-5 yrs Experience

San Diego State University Research Foundation • San Diego, CA

10d

About The Position

The Sethuraman Lab in the Department of Biology at San Diego State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in computational genomics. The lab develops statistical and computational methods, software, and pipelines for estimating evolutionary history from large population-genomic datasets. This position will contribute to genomic genealogy-based methods supporting research into reparations for descendants of formerly enslaved African Americans in California, while also offering opportunities to pursue independent projects and collaborate on computational population-genomics research.

The scholar will contribute to three methodological projects: building a database of publicly available X, Y, and mitochondrial genomic data; developing mathematical methods and software to estimate ancient recombination history between human X and Y chromosomes in pseudoautosomal regions using Ancestral Recombination Graphs and geographical-origin information; and estimating recent matrilineal genealogical history from Runs of Homozygosity on the human X chromosome and geographical movement data. The scholar will also help develop a tool for visualizing demographic histories across spatial and temporal scales.

The role offers opportunities to develop grant proposals, teach courses in the Department of Biology, participate in postdoctoral cohorts across SDSU, UCSD, and other California State University campuses, and co-mentor graduate and undergraduate students with PI Sethuraman. The position is for three years and may be extended contingent on funding and performance. Candidates must reside in California and live within commuting distance of SDSU at the time of hire. An offer is contingent on satisfactory background-check clearance.

Requirements

• At the time of appointment, must have completed, defended, and submitted a doctoral dissertation (PhD or equivalent) in population/evolutionary genomics.
• Must reside in California and live within commuting distance of SDSU at the time of hire.
• Must satisfactorily clear a background check, including a criminal record check.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in population/evolutionary genomics methods and applications.
• Computational genomics experience, including algorithms, programs, and development.
• Python programming.
• Knowledge of deploying jobs, containerization, and storage in high-performance computing environments.

Responsibilities

• Build a genomic database of publicly available X, Y, and mitochondrial genomic data, including data from sources such as the 1000 Genomes Project, The Cancer Genome Atlas, and CAAPA2.
• Develop a mathematical framework and software to estimate ancient evolutionary recombination history between human X and Y chromosomes in pseudoautosomal regions using Ancestral Recombination Graphs, incorporating geographical-origin information.
• Develop a mathematical framework and software to estimate recent matrilineal genealogical history using Runs of Homozygosity along the human X chromosome and geographical movement information.
• Build a tool to visualize recent and ancient demographic histories across spatial and temporal scales.
• Develop independent computational population-genomics projects and collaborate on other lab projects.
• Pursue professional development, including developing grant proposals and teaching courses in the Department of Biology at SDSU.
• Participate in postdoctoral scholar cohorts across SDSU, UCSD, and other California State University campuses.
• Co-mentor graduate and undergraduate students with PI Sethuraman.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree