Postdoctoral Associate or Research Assistant Professor Position:
Comparative -Omics of Bioluminescent Fungi

Dr. Xianfa Xie's Lab at the Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and
Bioinformatics (CeBiGeBi) and the Department of Biology at Virginia State
University invites applications for a postdoctoral or research assistant
professor position in carrying out a U.S. NSF-funded project to study
the comparative genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and
metabolomics of bioluminescent fungi. The Xie Lab and the CeBiGeBi, of
which Dr. Xie is the Founding Director, employ innovative approaches to
study scientifically interesting questions that are also of importance
to fundamental understanding of the natural world and/or practical
relevance to human society. With affiliated faculty members from biology,
chemistry, agriculture, mathematics, and computer science, the CeBiGeBi
particularly emphasizes interdisciplinary research and creating synergy
among researchers from different departments and colleges across the
campus. We are looking for a creative, skillful, and dedicated scientist
to fill this position. The fungal comparative -omics project involves
collaborations with researchers both within and outside the U.S. But
there may be opportunities to contribute to other research projects in
the lab and at the Center as well, including microbiome and cancer -omic
studies, and collaborate with other research universities in the region.

Minimum qualifications:

1.        An earned Ph.D. degree in any field of biological sciences
          (including genomics and bioinformatics), bioengineering, or
          computer science;

2.        Extensive and successful research experience in genomic and
          transcriptomic data generation and analysis, including using
          short-read (Illumina) and long-read (Nanopore/PacBio)
          sequencing technologies, genome assembly and annotations, and
          comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses;

3.        Strong quantitative and computational skills in Python, R, and
          bioinformatics platforms;

4.        Excellent written and oral communications skills, particularly
          for scientific writing and presentations;

5.        Ability to work both independently and in a team-setting with
          great interpersonal skills.

Preferred qualifications:

1.        Successful experience with epigenomic, proteomic, and
          metabolomic data generation and analysis, as well as
          biochemical analysis;

2.        Working experience with fungi and field study skills;

3.        Knowledge and skills in machine learning or artificial
          intelligence;

4.        Prior experience in mentoring graduate and undergraduate
          students for research in a diverse environment.

The position is available now and renewable for up to three years until
the project ends. But it is preferred that the successful candidate is
eligible and will be able to work in the U.S. at any time.

The starting salary will be up to $65,000 per year, with full benefits
(including medical, dental, and vision insurances, social security
benefits, etc.) provided. The University is conveniently located in
Central Virginia, with only two hours of drive to Virginia Beach (and
less than three hours to the Outer Banks), Shenandoah National Park,
the North Carolina Research Triangle, and Washington DC. The area also
offers mild weather (but still enjoyable four seasons), affordable living,
a rich history, great cultural events like the annual "Richmond Folk
Festival", many music/artistic venues, good restaurants, and a lot of
places for hiking, biking, kayaking, tubing, skating, and not too far
away skiing in the Appalachian mountains.

The reviewing process starts now and will continue until a suitable
candidate is identified. If interested, please send the following
documents via email to xxie@vsu.edu at your earliest convenience:

1.        A cover letter to explain why you are interested in this
          position with a summary of your qualifications, as well as any
          additional information you would like us to know;

2.        An updated curriculum vitae (C.V.);

3.        Contact information for three professional references.

Any question or inquiry please also send to the above email.

Thanks!

Xianfa Xie, Ph.D.

Director, Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Bioinformatics

Associate Professor, Department of Biology

Virginia State University

xiexianfa@gmail.com

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