The Grubaugh Lab at the Yale School of Public Health is seeking 1-2 postdocs to help lead multidisciplinary projects in virus genomic epidemiology and evolution, with a strong focus on sequencing and phylogenetics. While our primary research interests are in arboviruses, much of our recent work has been in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see our papers for an overview of what our recent projects entail. The candidates for this position may work in the “wet” lab (e.g. sequencing), “dry” lab (e.g. phylogenetics), or a mix of both. The positions can start as early as May 2021 and will be for a minimum of 2 years.

The projects will include one or more of the following:

• SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence and spread
• SARS-CoV-2 genetics related to re-infection/vaccine breakthroughs
• COVID-19 outbreak investigations
• Dengue virus evolution and spread in the Americas
• Clinical metagenomics to identify circulating pathogens in low-resource areas
• Other interesting projects that may emerge!

Job description – Depending on wet lab, dry lab, or both.

• Lead projects with a diverse group of labmates and outside collaborators
• (web lab) Develop/refine methods for cost-effective virus sequencing
• (web lab) Perform virus genomic sequencing and data processing using Illumina and Nanopore platforms
• (dry lab) Perform phylogenetic analysis of virus sequences, including building custom Nextstrain pages
• (dry lab) Perform metagenomic sequence data processing for virus identification/discovery
• (dry lab) Perform analyses that incorporate virus genomic data with human mobility and epidemiological data
• Train PhD students, MPH students, undergrads, visiting students, and/or lab assistants on sequencing, data processing, and phylogenetic methods
• Write papers and give scientific presentations
• Assist with grant writing

Job requirements – Depending on wet lab, dry lab, or both.

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related field
• (wet lab) BSL2 training, experience working with clinical samples or human pathogens
• (wet lab) Experience with virus sequencing methods and platforms
• (dry lab) A strong command of evolutionary theory and/or epidemiological concepts
• (dry lab) Experience with maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods
• Strong written and oral communication
• Must be highly dependable, diligent, well-organized, and willing to work both independently and collaboratively

Working with us

Good science isn’t done in a vacuum. Our projects are primarily team-based, both within our group and with our many external collaborators. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive atmosphere and bring members into our team with unique and complementary skill sets. We work hard – especially during the pandemic – but remain flexible to the challenges in our lives, try to have fun, and celebrate successes. And beer, that’s good too. 

Funding

We are funded in many different ways – CDC, NIH, Gates, NBA(!), and donations. The positions will be supported for at least 2 years, but could be extended depending on future funding. Applying for outside fellowships is encouraged, but not required. The starting salary is $55,000. 

The position(s) will remain open until filled, and the start date is anytime between May and December 2021.

Interested in joining our team? Email your CV, 1 page cover letter, 1 writing sample (paper or grant), and the contact info for 3 references; or questions to [email protected]

~Cheers,

The Grubaugh Lab