Ancient Sedimentary DNA Graduate Student

Ancient Sedimentary DNA Graduate Student

The Golding and Poinar labs are looking for a Master’s Student (MSc) to work on sedimentary DNA from ancient permafrost in the attempt to reconstruct past ecosystems to help better contextualize the causes and consequences of late Pleistocene extinctions as well as microbial ecology during major climate upheaval.

The student will work alongside others in both bioinformatics as well as ancient DNA methodology development and implementation. We are actively establishing new methods for the recovery of minute traces of DNA from ancient permafrost and lake sediments. This project will entail developing novel methods for organic residue recovery, DNA based capture and next-generation sequencing followed by bioinformatic analysis for reconstructing past environments over the last several hundred thousand years from Yukon and Alaska. For more information see the following papers on environmental reconstruction and microbial ecological reconstructions.

The successful applicant will have a BSc involving some experience in bioinformatics, molecular evolution and/or population genetics. The ideal candidates would have:

• A BSc in a field of biology and/or anthropology
• A strong commitment to conducting high-quality research.
• A willingness to consider quantitative aspects of biology is required.
• A strong interest in ancient DNA Genomics and Molecular Evolution.
• Experiences with sedaDNA, eDNA or other forms of DNA would be considered a plus.
• Experience with bioinformatics analyses, including programming in any scripting language (e.g., UNIX, R, PERL and/or Python), or a strong willingness to learn.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.