New Jersey - Eastern Pennsylvania - Delaware HERC

A Post-doctoral Research Associate position is available immediately to work on shellfish genomics with a focus on immune response and disease resistance in the Eastern oyster. The position is funded in part by a grant from DARPA. The goal of the project is to develop Eastern oysters that resist disease and tolerate climate change. To achieve this, we plan to study the genetic basis of disease resistance in the Eastern oyster and develop resources for genome-based predictions. The research may involve multi-omics investigations of how oysters respond to pathogens and the best approaches to predict resistance. In addition to developing resistant oysters through advanced genomics, we hope to understand host-parasite interaction and co-evolution in a protostome that lacks adaptive immunity. All of this needs to be overlayed with the ability to tolerate interacting impacts of climate change such as increasing temperature. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in biological sciences with training in genetics and genomics. Experience with transcriptome studies, genomic data, GWAS and/or genomic selection is preferred.

The position is based at the Haskin Shellfish Research Lab (located in Port Norris, NJ) at Rutgers University, working with Professors Ximing Guo and David Bushek. Funding is in place for one and a half years, with two possible extensions covering three additional years. The Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory (HSRL)is a New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES)and a field station for the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences (DMCS), both located at the School of Environmental and Biological Science of Rutgers University. This dual role permits HSRL to draw upon the strengths of both programs to fulfill its mission in support of fisheries and aquaculture research. The station has a 134-year tradition of disseminating research results and working cooperatively with state and federal agencies and the fisheries and aquaculture communities in New Jersey. HSRL generates and disseminates research information directly applicable to all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture science, concentrating on species of commercial importance to New Jersey.
The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) is committed to building an intentionally diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all employees. We aim to collectively improve our understanding of the variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. SEBS is actively working to identify and eliminate barriers to create a more equitable workplace for all. Our goal is to have an inclusive work environment in which all individuals and groups feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Qualified applicants who are committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an equitable and inclusive learning workplace are strongly encouraged to apply without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, military service or any other category protected by law.

The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in biological sciences with training in genetics and genomics