RESPONSIBILITIES

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University is searching for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to help develop methods to reconstruct the phylogenies of cell lineages from within neoplasms. This will require the development of new likelihood models and the integration of multi-modal data (e.g., point mutations and chromosomal alterations). Initial data will derive from SNP arrays and exome sequencing of Barrett's esophagus tissue samples. We will also work on developing methods to extract regularities across forests of phylogenetic trees from tumors.

The Center for Evolution and Cancer was the first of its kind to apply evolutionary biology to cancer biology both at the cell level, studying the evolutionary dynamics of carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance, and at the organismal level, studying the evolution of cancer suppression in whales, elephants and other species. Scholars will be part of a highly interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Carlo Maley, will collaborate with Mary Kuhner in Joe Felsenstein's lab, and also be part of a larger community of interdisciplinary researchers at Arizona State University in the Center for Evolution and Medicine and the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at the Institute for Cancer Research in London, bringing together evolutionary biologists, ecologists, computational biologists, mathematical modelers, cancer biologists and oncologists to make fundamental discoveries in understanding cancer and improving cancer prevention and management.

Interactions among faculty, Postdocs and students across the Institute and the University are central to a variety of ongoing research and educational programs. These interactions allow our Postdoctoral Research Associates to develop their expertise in research and build towards an independent research program. Faculty, Postdocs and students are actively involved with a number of other centers, institutes, and research groups on campus that promote transdisciplinary approaches to issues of local and national significance, affording outstanding research and training experiences that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. The Biodesign Institute is a research hub that makes an important contribution to the advancement of ASU as a leader of knowledge generation and utilization.

REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, or related field. Experience in developing phylogenetic methods is required. Experience with the BEAST software package is preferable but not required. Relevant publications in high quality peer review journals is desired.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit to maley[at]asu.edu as a single pdf document the following materials: 1) a cover letter specifying relevant qualifications and training, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) statement of current research interests and expertise (2 page maximum), 4) two letters of reference, and 5) one peer-reviewed publication. Please include "Application for Postdoc- Phylogeneticist" in the email subject line. Initial review of applications will begin on February 1, 2015; if not filled, review will continue every week thereafter until the search is closed. A background check is required for employment.

POLICY

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Arizona State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.