University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Position Announcement
Ms./Ph.D. Position in Plant Single Cell Computational Biology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
A co-advised Ph.D. position is available in the Libault (https://libaultlab.unl.edu/node/2) and Saha Labs (https://engineering.unl.edu/ssbio/) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Center for Plant Science Innovation (PSI, http://www.unl.edu/psi/), Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (https://agronomy.unl.edu/), and Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (https://engineering.unl.edu/chme/). The graduate student will apply and develop bioinformatics and computational tools to reveal the transcriptomic regulation of plant genes in response to biotic and abiotic stresses at the level of single plant cells. Using next-generation sequencing datasets and single-cell –omic approaches, the candidate will focus on a comparative analysis of the epigenomic and transcriptional responses between cells and between crop species. This innovative project presents opportunities to work in a collaborative environment with computational, molecular, and cellular biologists. Notably, the selected student will benefit from the complementary expertise of the Libault and Saha laboratories in single-cell biology and computational biology, and a stimulating atmosphere with access to excellent facilities including bioinformatics facilities and colleagues for high-quality research in agricultural and plant sciences.
The selected candidate will manage large-scale sequencing data and will gain practical experience in next-generation sequencing data analysis, computational systems biology, and omics data integration. In addition, the selected candidate will develop a solid knowledge of plant genomics, epigenomics, evolution, gene expression/regulation, and biological networks. Proven skills in programming (R and Perl are preferred), algorithm design, Linux/Unix environments are also desirable.
Highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates with strong interests in bioinformatics, genomics, and crop/plant science are invited to apply. Excellent written and oral communications, as well as strong organizational skills, are required. Interested candidates should apply by email to Dr. Marc Libault (marc.libault@unl.edu) and Dr. Rajib Saha (rsaha2@unl.edu). The email should include “Student application” in the subject and the following documents: (1) cover letter explaining candidate’s research interests and how they fit with this position, (2) CV, (3) contact information including phone numbers and emails for 3 references.
The position is available starting August 22nd, 2022, and applications will be screened on a continuing basis till the position is filled.