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 should have considerable “wet” lab genomics experience (e.g. library prep, sequencing, cloning). 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:

• Lead projects with a diverse group of lab-mates and outside collaborators
• Develop/refine methods for cost-effective virus sequencing
• Perform virus genomic sequencing and data processing using Illumina and Nanopore platforms
• Perform phylogenetic analysis of virus sequences, including building custom Nextstrain pages
• 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:

• PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related field
• BSL2/3 training, experience working with clinical samples or human pathogens
• Experience with virus sequencing methods and platforms
• Strong command of evolutionary theory and/or epidemiological concepts
• 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 nathan.grubaugh@yale.edu.