Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship - One Health, Many Diverse Genomes

Description

The Schools of Life Science at Arizona State University (ASU)—as part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences—invite applications for a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow position researching comparative genomics and One Health. Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships are intended to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral recipients with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter through a future tenure-track appointment at ASU. The selected postdoctoral fellow will join a cohort of ~20 other scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. 

With the rapid expansion of genomic data, we have an opportunity to make foundational discoveries in biology through the analysis of natural selection in shaping molecular diversity across the tree of life. Natural selection and demographic history pattern the distribution of genetic variants in each species’ genome, which affects their resilience to environmental perturbations and risk of disease. However, genomic sampling of species long stewarded by Indigenous and local communities, and the collection of genomic data from diverse communities and their homelands, has many cultural, ethical, legal, and social implications that increase the responsibilities of the scientific community. Respectful research opportunities can unite communities through biology, data science, stewardship, and sustainable health for all lifeforms.

This Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, with an anticipated start date in the 2024-2025 academic year, will be appointed to help advance one or more initiatives at ASU including: generation and comparative analysis of genomic information across eukaryotic taxa and species to potentially include flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert region; the comparative genomics across species in alignment with interests related to evolutionary medicine, and in particular the comparative genomics of cancer resistance across species (in collaboration with the Arizona Cancer Evolution Center); and advancing existing programs at ASU related to computational life sciences programs. 

The School of Life Sciences has committed to provide individualized mentorship and career development to ensure the fellow is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure-track appointment at ASU. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support at the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office, and peer-mentoring with other presidential postdoctoral fellows.

The Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment in alignment with the ASU Charter mission of inclusive excellence. Examples of such contributions are research, teaching, mentorship, or community-centered service focused on empowering underserved populations that increases equitable access and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.

Expected Job Duties

• The Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct research and ensure that all studies are appropriately conducted following the policies and procedures of Arizona State University
• Engage in science communication such as research manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, advocacy documents  and/or presentations
• Engage in grant writing activities independently and/or with colleagues
• Demonstrate progress, with the assistance of faculty mentors, towards establishing independent research aims/goals/objectives, to begin at the start of a future tenure-track appointment at ASU

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university that for two decades has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. In 2022, ASU was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education,