Postdoctoral Scholar - Bioinformatician for Tree Improvement

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

BFF-AFIRMS, (Best Future Forest: Advanced Forest Genomics and Integrative Resource Management System), is a transformative initiative aimed at digitalizing forest resource management and tree improvement in Alberta (AB), Canada (CA). This is a joint effort across the Government of Alberta (GoA), forest industry partners of Tree Improvement Alberta (TIA), University of Alberta (UofA, CA), and Oklahoma State University (USA). The initiative seeks to integrate high-throughput genotyping, predictive analytics, and decision-making science to ensure responsible stewardship of forest genetic resources in the face of climate challenges, and the growing demand for sustainable forest ecosystems and products.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will join the BFF-AFIRMS project working with Drs. Barb Thomas (U of Alberta) and Charles Chen (Oklahoma State University) on bioinformatics, lodgepole pine genome assembly, and comparative and population genomics for conifer genomes. The Postdoctoral Scholar will apply extensive knowledge in this field to perform these complex research activities under the Principal Investigator's (PI) direction.

• Work on our computational effort to characterize the key adaptive elements across pine and spruce genomes, as well as evaluating the importance of selection signature of genomic variants.
• Collect and integrate publicly available genomic sequences, transcriptomics/omics data, QTL/GWAS variants, and genetic knowledge relevant to white spruce and lodgepole pine studies.
• Responsibilities also include: contributing to experimental design, method development and implementation, data analysis, and preparing manuscripts for publications.
• Collaborate with the BFF-AFIRMS project at the University of Alberta, to create and develop visualizations to display genomic knowledge, evaluate tree improvement decisions and selection strategies.
• Both Thomas and Chen's laboratories are highly collaborative, working seamlessly with expertise spanning Genetics and Tree Improvement, Genomics, and Statistical Genetics. Participation in interdisciplinary and collaborative research activities is expected.
• Maintain data integrity and ensure intellectual property protection, and actively participate in laboratory and project meetings.

• PhD Graduate degree in forest genomics, bioinformatics, comparative genomics, or related science and experience working on plant genome assemblies.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to access, community and belonging.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Application Instructions

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Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and interviews will be conducted as qualified candidates are identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences is a leader in teaching, research, and community engagement across diverse fields including food systems, sustainable resource management, human ecology, and environmental sociology. With more than 500 faculty and staff, over 1,500 undergraduates, and 600 graduate students, the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences leverages 25,000 acres of research land across Alberta to deliver high-impact academic programs and applied research in partnership with industry and communities.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.