Junior Laboratory Associate

Job Description

Junior Laboratory Associate | New York University

The Tone:
This is an early career position at New York University, based in New York, NY, where the selected candidate will work onsite. The Bergelson lab, part of NYU’s Department of Biology, focuses its research on the intricate ecology and evolution of plant-pathogen interactions. A primary research focus is dedicated to understanding the specific mechanisms that influence the evolution of plant resistance genes. This role as a Junior Laboratory Associate is specifically designed for a highly motivated and independent individual who is preparing for a career in research. It provides a structured environment for the development of essential technical skills, alongside close supervision by senior scientists. This supervision will incorporate an individual development plan, directly supporting the trainee’s goals as well as those set by the faculty mentor, with the potential for contributing to published research findings during the appointment period.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Location: New York, NY
• Pay: $55000–$60000 yearly
• Team: Bergelson lab at NYU’s Department of Biology, reporting to senior scientists and a faculty mentor
• Mission: Provide technical skill development and contribute to research on the ecology and evolution of plant-pathogen interactions and plant resistance gene evolution.
• Tech Stack: PacBio, Illumina sequencing, de novo assembly, annotation, comparative genomics

What You’ll Actually Do
• Genomic Analysis: Conduct comprehensive genomic analyses utilizing PacBio and Illumina sequencing data obtained from 300 accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana, Cardamine hirsuta, and Draba verna, which were sampled from natural populations in France.
• Evolutionary Comparison: Contrast patterns of differential evolution observed in plant disease resistance genes across various species within the Brassicaceae family.
• Driver Identification: Identify and analyze the ecological drivers that contribute to the preferential retention and loss of genes among naturally co-occurring species.
• Ancestral Origin Inference: Infer subgenome and chromosomal ancestral origins within the polyploid architecture of the Draba verna pangenome, building upon existing contributions to its construction.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Biology or a related field.
• Experience: 2 years of research experience.
• Skills: De novo assembly of complex plant genomes, annotation of complex plant genomes, comparative genomics, excellent communication skills, excellent organizational skills.