Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral position on the evolution of termites in the Evolutionary Genomics Unit (Bourguignon) at OIST

The position

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Evolutionary Genomics Unit at OIST. We use next-generation sequencing technologies to study the evolution of termites, non-termite cockroaches, and their associated microbes. We have at the moment four main lines of research: (1) the evolution of termite genomes, which we study using 50 newly sequenced and annotated high-quality termite genomes; (2) the functional evolution of termite gut microbiota inferred using full gut prokaryote genomes reconstructed with PacBio HiFi long reads; (3) generating a worldwide complete phylogenetic tree of termites using recently collected samples and Museum samples; and (4) the evolution of the cockroach endosymbiont genomes, Blattabacterium. The successful candidate will develop and lead a project along one of these lines in the Unit (see https://groups.oist.jp/egu) and actively collaborate with other Unit members. Note that a large amount of data has already been generated and is readily available for analysis.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will take the lead role in the project. We expect Postdoctoral Researchers to collaborate with the PI and other unit members and to help supervise junior staff, Ph.D. students, rotation students, and interns. 

Qualifications

<required>

•Ph.D. degree in ecology, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, or relevant fields

•Spoken and written English abilities*

•Good bioinformatic knowledge and experience with analyzing high-throughput sequencing datasets

<preferred>

•Prior knowledge of insects 

•Prior knowledge of gut microbes

Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations

Benefits:

•Relocation, housing, and commuting allowances

•Annual paid leave and summer holidays

•Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)

•Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)

•Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)

Starting Date

As early as possible

Application Due Date

21 April 2023

Employment Term

The employment is for three years with a trial period of one year. 

Submission Documents

A single pdf including: 

•Cover letter summarizing your research experience and interest in the position (1-2 pages)

•Curriculum vitae 

•Names and contact information of 3~5 referees, at least one of which should be a previous employer or Ph.D. adviser

How to apply:

Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to: [email protected]

Link:

https://www.oist.jp/careers/postdoctoral-position-evolution-termites-evolutionary-genomics-unit-bourguignon-oist

Declaration

•OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

•Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.

•Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities

•Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.

*The Unit is composed of several foreign and Japanese researchers. While English is the dominant language in the lab, we don't expect new postdocs to speak English perfectly and with confidence. We encourage all researchers with good bioinformatic skills and eager to work on termites and cockroaches to consider applying.