Postdoctoral position on the evolution of termites in the Evolutionary Genomics Unit (Bourguignon) at OIST
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Evolutionary Genomics Unit at OIST. We use next-generation sequencing technologies to study the evolution of termites, non-termite cockroaches, and their associated microbes. We have at the moment four main lines of research: (1) the evolution of termite genomes, which we study using 50 newly sequenced and annotated high-quality termite genomes; (2) the functional evolution of termite gut microbiota inferred using full gut prokaryote genomes reconstructed with PacBio HiFi long reads; (3) generating a worldwide complete phylogenetic tree of termites using recently collected samples and Museum samples; and (4) the evolution of the cockroach endosymbiont genomes, Blattabacterium. The successful candidate will develop and lead a project along one of these lines in the Unit (see https://groups.oist.jp/egu) and actively collaborate with other Unit members. Note that a large amount of data has already been generated and is readily available for analysis.
The successful candidate will take the lead role in the project. We expect Postdoctoral Researchers to collaborate with the PI and other unit members and to help supervise junior staff, Ph.D. students, rotation students, and interns.
<Required>
- Ph.D. degree in ecology, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, or relevant fields
- Spoken and written English abilities*
- Good bioinformatic knowledge and experience with analyzing high-throughput sequencing datasets
<Preferred>
- Prior knowledge of insects
- Prior knowledge of gut microbes
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
A single pdf including:
- Cover letter summarizing your research experience and interest in the position (1-2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information of 3~5 referees, at least one of which should be a previous employer or Ph.D. adviser
How to Apply
Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to: thomas.bourguignon@oist.jp
- The Unit is composed of several foreign and Japanese researchers. While English is the dominant language in the lab, we don't expect new postdocs to speak English perfectly and with confidence. We encourage all researchers with good bioinformatic skills and eager to work on termites and cockroaches to consider applying.
- Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to third-party administrators after a conditional offer of employment.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
The employment is for three years with a trial period of one year.
*Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive).
Discretionary