Job Opportunities in the Tishkoff Lab

Postdoctoral Positions in Human Evolutionary Genomics

Postdoctoral positions are available in a human population genetics laboratory affiliated with the Departments of Genetics and Biology at the University of Pennsylvania.  Projects in the lab focus on a unique resource of DNA samples and phenotype data from ethnically and geographically diverse African populations. These samples are being used for genome-level analyses of diversity at both coding and non-coding loci (including high throughput resequencing, CNV analyses, and whole genome SNP genotyping). For many of these samples we also have phenotype data for a number of traits that are likely important in adaptation and disease.  We are using these data (1) to infer population structure and demographic history and to test models of modern human evolution (2) to identify regions of the genome that are targets of selection (3) to identify functionally significant variants using genotype/phenotype association studies as well as gene expression analyses (4) to study genetic and phenotypic variation at loci that influence drug metabolism and (5) to study the genetic basis of resistance against infectious disease (with a focus on malaria) and co-evolution of the human and Plasmodium falciparum genomes. Collaborators on these projects include Philip Awadalla, Carlos Bustamante, Junhyong Kim, Gil McVean, Joshua Plotkin, Jonathan Pritchard, Anna Tramontano, and Greg Wray. Independent and creative postdoctoral research projects will be encouraged.  Additional information about the Tishkoff lab can be found here.

The Department of Genetics is centrally located within the UPenn campus and is a short walk from the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, the Biology Department and the Anthropology Department.  Outstanding core facilities are available for high throughput sequencing, genotyping, and gene expression studies, and for bioinformatics and computational biology. UPenn has a vibrant community of researchers with interests in evolutionary biology and genomics, the genetics of complex traits, and translational medicine.

Candidates with either a strong molecular and/or statistical genetics background are encouraged to apply.  Both computational and laboratory positions are available and individuals interested in theory/statistical methods development are encouraged to apply (possibilities exist for joint supervision with statistical geneticists).  Familiarity with population genetics theory and/or computer programming is a plus.  Salaries are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please send curriculum vitae, a brief statement of interests, and contact information for three references via e-mail to Dr. Sarah Tishkoff, Departments of Genetics and Biology, University of Pennsylvania, tishkoff@mail.med.upenn.edu. The starting dates of positions are flexible.