The ideal candidate will have experience in both molecular (wet lab) and computational (dry lab) techniques for both methodological and applied research. Examples of methodological research could be the design and development of assays for detection of RNA viruses in wastewater or software for improving computational efficiency of phylodynamic modeling of large sequence datasets. Examples of applied research could be the amplification and sequencing of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses from wild birds, or the use of existing software and tools that use sequences and metadata to estimate the migration of pathogens during an outbreak.

Responsibilities for this position include processing of wastewater samples, including filtration, viral enrichment, reverse transcription, and sequencing library preparation and analysis (both short and long-reads including Oxford Nanopore). Processing of clinical samples (nasopharyngeal swabs), RNA extraction, RT-PCR of virus targets, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing. Bioinformatics and computational analysis including de novo and template-based assembly of raw sequence reads, genome annotation, curation of viral genomes, gene clustering, viral taxonomy classification/assignment, sequence identity and phylodynamic and phylogenetic analysis. Assisting in the mentoring of a group of undergraduate and graduate students. Preparation of first-author, peer- reviewed publications, and presentation of results at international conferences. This position is also expected to apply for a K99/R00 and publish at least 3 manuscripts (1 as lead author) within the first 12 months of position.
Required Qualifications

• Doctorate (e.g., PhD, ScD) in computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics, genomic epidemiology, molecular biology, molecular virology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental virology, epidemiology/public health, or related fields
• Existing research focus in genomic epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, molecular virology, or phylodynamics of RNA viruses
• Demonstrated ability to work, collaborate, and communicate effectively with diverse colleagues, community partners, and staff in a multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for a K99/R00 and publish at least 3 manuscripts (1 as lead author) within the first 12 months of position.
• Shows support of ASU’s commitment to inclusive excellence as outlined in the ASU charter

Desired Qualifications

• Expertise in handling of infectious materials (e.g., clinical specimens, wastewater), viral RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis
• Expertise in amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing via Illumina (short-reads) or Oxford Nanopore (long-reads) technologies
• Experience in virus metagenomics
• Experience in wastewater-based epidemiology
• Experience developing pipelines for analysis of high-throughput pathogen sequencing data
• Experience with BEAST software for virus phylodynamics
• Experience with programming and use of bioinformatics libraries and packages via Python and R.
• Background, knowledge, and/or research that could be conducted or relevant to the needs of Arizona's diverse populations
• Potential for high impact research
• Evidence of participation in translational, trans-disciplinary, and team science initiatives
• Strong English-language verbal and writing communication skills

Applications and Inquiries
Applications will be reviewed beginning October 13, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.
To apply, click http://apply.interfolio.com/132303 to submit the following:

• A letter of interest including the name of the position for which you are applying, your qualifications and professional experience, and an example(s) of how your work has exemplified Arizona State University’s Charter and its values of Inclusive Excellence
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Copies of up to three publications
• Information for three professional references (their position, title, e-mail, phone number). References will not be contacted until the candidate progresses to the latter stages of the search
  process.

Informal inquiries and questions can be directed to Prof. Matthew Scotch, matthew.scotch@asu.edu.