PhD positions in Microbial Bioinformatics at Dalhousie University

The Beiko lab at Dalhousie University is seeking two highly motivated PhD students to carry out projects in microbial genomics and evolution. Key aims of these PhD positions will include:

• Using evolutionary methods to build new, modular representations of genomes
• Building comprehensive maps of lateral gene transfer from multiple lines of evidence (phylogenomics, coevolution, etc)
• Incorporating gene-order information to refine functional predictions of genes

Selected candidates will join an interdisciplinary team that carries out theoretical and applied research in microbial genomics, machine learning, and algorithms.

Projects will combine a range of techniques including existing tools and new tools to be developed. Students can be admitted to a Computer Science PhD program if they satisfy the requirements, the Interdisciplinary PhD program, or another PhD program under a co-supervisory arrangement. Students will be expected to present at national and international conferences, and lead the writing of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Software will be made available through the Beiko lab Github server and released under a permissive software license.

Trainees will be members of the Algorithms and Bioinformatics research cluster in Computer Science and the Dalhousie Institute for Comparative Genomics. Students will also have access to training programs offered internally by ICG and externally (e.g., Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops). Successful applicants will also have opportunities to collaborate with other academic researchers and with government agencies.

Required:

• A Bachelors or Masters degree in a relevant discipline, with research experience
• Some coding experience, ideally including Python or R
• A strong background in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Biology, or Statistics
• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Where necessary, English-language skills that meet or exceed the admissions requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies

Preferred:

• Experience with bioinformatics software
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Familiarity with Linux and high-performance computing