PhD candidate position:
The Centre for Vector Borne Diseases at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Lethbridge Laboratory, is seeking to hire one PhD candidate for 4 years.
Application deadline: May 30, 2022
Stipend: $30,000 per annum
Project (Genotyping of Equine Infectious Anemia virus strains circulating in Canada using Genomics):
The project will investigate Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) genotypes in Canada using state-of-the-art genomics approach. EIA is an infectious disease that effects the immune system of horses, donkeys and mules. Disease caused by EIA virus (EIAV), that belongs to the Retroviridae family, genus Lentivirus, which spread by blood-sucking insects such as horse flies. Therefore, the project will be a multidisciplinary programme in virology, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Bioinformatics. All together, the project will provide important insights into possible correlation between strain type and clinical disease characteristics.
Responsibilities:
The successful PhD candidate will study primarily (but not limited) on EIAV genotyping. In addition, PhD candidate will have this opportunity to engage in other ongoing projects in the research group to expand their knowledge on vector-borne diseases. PhD candidate will work on molecular detection and characterization of EIAV using NGS technique and bioinformatics.
In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following:
Essential education:
Graduation with an acceptable MSc degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in biological sciences with specialization related to duties of the position, such as molecular biology, arboviruses, NGS and Bioinformatics.
Essential knowledge:
Knowledge of scientific research related to EIAV or arboviruses, and genomics.
Knowledge of molecular methods (e.g. gene extraction, PCR, library preparation) for detection of arboviruses (briefly explain your experience with library preparation).
Knowledge of NGS data analysis workflow and bioinformatics (briefly explain your experience with big sequence data analysis).
Knowledge of phylogenetic tree construction (specify software and methods).
Knowledge of statistical analysis (specify software and methods).
Knowledge of laboratory biosafety regulations and procedures in CL2 facilities.
Asset experience:
Knowledge of methods used to collect and preserve arthropod specimens collected in the field.
Experience with morphological and molecular identification of arthropods.
Writing and submitting scientific articles.
Presenting data in conferences.
Operational requirements:
Willingness and ability to work full time and five days a week.
Willingness and ability to travel within Canada.
Essential competencies:
Demonstrating integrity and respect
Working effectively with others
Showing initiative and being action-oriented
Communication – oral and in writing
The successful candidate must meet security clearance requirements
Contract condition:
The funding for this four-year research project has been approved. However, the extension of the project and position from one fiscal year to the next requires an annual assessment and decision.
To apply: Interested candidates must provide a statement of interest (why you want to study for a PhD, why you believe that you are suitable, no more than 600 words), CV, the list of your relevant
bublications and two reference letters. Please send the required documents by email to: [email protected]