Postdoctoral fellow in evolutionary genetics/genomics
Department of Biology, University of Rochester
The Fay lab in the Biology Department at the University of Rochester is seeking candidates for apostdoctoral fellow position. The lab works broadly on the genetic basis of evolutionary change,
utilizing both high-throughput experimental approaches combined with statistical and computational
models. Our main experimental system is yeast, focusing on the Saccharomyces species with
occasional forays into Candida and other species that commonly show up in our field collections.
However, we also have active collaborations working on domestication in barley, preterm birth in
humans, and testing theories of diversity using experimental evolution. These interactions both
stimulate project cross-fertilization and create opportunities to develop novel approaches to longstanding problems of interest to the lab.
Candidates will have the opportunity to expand on current projects or explore new areas through the
development of a creative and independent project. Our current projects focus on the evolution of
gene expression dynamics and when changes in gene expression matter, the genetic basis of
interspecific differences in thermotolerance, and domestication and diversification of S. cerevisiae,
including wine, beer and other industrial strains. We have extensive resources in population genomics
through our collection of over 4,000 wild yeast strains, probabilistic models of cis-regulatory
sequences, as well as our recent acquisition of high-throughput robotics paired with both natural and
constructed collections of strain, plasmid and synthetic reporter libraries.
Candidates should have a clear vision of their research interests along with expectations for training and mentorship. While there are no strict requirements for the position, strong quantitative skills,
programming experience, and a population or evolutionary genetics background are desirable.
The Fay lab is located in the Biology Department, which has a strong research group in evolutionary
genetics and genomics that has recently grown, providing a stimulating and interactive environment.
The Department is located on the top floors of Hutchinson Hall, adjacent to the Goergen Institute for
Data Science, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering Departments. We also benefit from an
excellent group of yeast labs originally built up through the vision of Fred Sherman. Genomics and
proteomics cores are available across the street at the Medical center. Finally, the Center for
Integrated Research and Computing provide state of the art facilities for both parallel and large
memory computing jobs.
Applicants for the position should send a curriculum vitae, a statement of interest and contact
information for three references via email. Applications will be reviewed starting in February, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled.
Justin Fay
Associate Professor
Biology Department
University of Rochester
justin.fay@rochester.edu
http://labsites.rochester.edu/faylab/
