Postdoctoral Fellow/PB – The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation – United States

Job ID: 3929
Job date: 2015-07-27
End Date:

Company : The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation 

Country :

Role : Postdoc 


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Job Description:
The Plant Biology Division of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. is seeking applicants for the position of Postdoctoral Fellow. The Foundation has state-of- the-art research and greenhouse facilities, and modern laboratory and office areas. The successful candidate will perform research related to the NSF funded project focusing on “Collaborative Research: ABI Innovation: Plant Genotype-Phenotype (G2P) Association Discovery via Integrative Genome-scale Biological Network & Genome-wide Association Analysis.” This project has three major aims: (1) to develop graphical models, novel algorithms and tools to infer the hierarchical gene networks that regulate biological processes, pathways, and complex traits in plants; (2) to develop innovative models and algorithms that enable precise, large-scale genomic marker-trait association analysis incorporating novel statistical genetics approaches; and (3) to develop a graph-search-empowered integrative bioinformatics/knowledge discovery platform for the integration, deciphering, and discovery of genotype and phenotype associations. The grant builds on a previous NSF grant started in 2010 that investigated how genome scale transcriptional regulatory networks control gene expression in plants. Examples of our developed/published bioinformatics tool and data resource can be found on the project website at http://plantgrn.noble.org/.

Research related to this position will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Patrick Xuechun Zhao. The successful applicant will be primarily responsible for conducting research in bioinformatics with a focus on research and development of innovative approaches, algorithms and tools for biological regulatory network analysis and/or linkage and association mapping. Research will also require working closely with other computational biologists and bioinformatics research analysts to develop the integrative bioinformatics systems for ‘omics’ data mining and biological knowledge discovery. Other duties of the position will include, but are not limited to the design and implementation of experiments, data analysis, interpretation and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and participation in the Foundation’s profession development program.

This temporary Postdoctoral Fellow position is funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation starting July 1, 2015. This funding is anticipated to be renewed annually based upon performance and funding availability and is scheduled to end on or before July 1, 2018.

Qualifications:

Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in Quantitative Sciences, Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Electronic Engineering, Genomics, Biochemistry, Plant Biology or other related field.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Comprehensive knowledge related to mathematics, computer programming and algorithm implementation (e.g. familiar with statistics, machine learning, and optimization);
• Programming skills with C/C++, Java, Matlab, R, and SQL using MySQL Server; and efficiency in Linux/Unix operating systems with experience in developing large-scale data analysis systems;
• Understanding of the basic biological principles and the ability to develop biological insight applications;
• Basic knowledge about gene regulatory networks, genotype to phenotype association, graphical models such as the dynamic Bayesian networks.
Application Instructions:

Applicants are requested to apply online by completing the application and submitting a resume, contact information for three references (excluding relatives), and a cover letter explaining interest in the position and career goals. If applicant does not have the ability to upload the additional documents they can be faxed to (580) 224-6240 (please include position number), but the application should be completed and submitted online.

Applications will be accepted until a candidate is hired. Interested applicants should apply immediately.

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
Human Resources Department
Position Number: PB-840
2510 Sam Noble Parkway
Ardmore, OK 73401
E-mail: NFHR@noble.org
Website: www.noble.org/

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The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. will provide equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for performing mission orientated research as directed by the supervising Professor in line with the overall Foundation's mission. Responsible for participating in a mentored professional development program.

Core Values

Integrity - Consistently follow the Foundation’s mission, vision and values in making decisions and taking actions; treat others as he or she would like to be treated; avoid situations and associations which could be considered inappropriate; avoid participation in rumors, gossip and subjective opinions; exhibit honesty and trustworthiness; be a consistent role model

Communication - Engage in open, honest and constructive conversations; listen; share complete and accurate information – appropriate both in content and audience; accurately restate the opinions and positions of others; build good relationships; remain approachable and accept constructive feedback as a way to learn; respect and maintain confidentiality

Safety - Perform all work, equipment and vehicle operation in a safe manner; assess the work area for hazards; recognize, correct and report unsafe situations posed by yourself or others; respond effectively to safety and health emergencies; comply with specific policies and procedures when performing safety sensitive activities; prevent accidents

Employee Development - Show initiative; improve workplace efficiency and practices; seek opportunities for your own professional growth and skill development; engage in continued learning by attending Foundation meetings and trainings, participating in educational programs, reading current literature, etc.; volunteer in the community; be informed; get involved

Accountability - Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; safeguard the
Foundation as a steward of funds, time, materials and other resources; meet goals and deadlines; take ownership of assigned responsibilities and admit mistakes in spite of the potential for negative consequences

Essential Functions

Research - Design, prioritize and execute lab/field experiments; with guidance, prioritize and organize daily workflow; document, compile and analyze experimental data in accordance with Foundation data management protocols; report data in oral and written reports; stay abreast of current scientific literature in relevant research areas

Scientific Presentation - Communicate research discoveries through presentations within the Foundation and at regional, national and/or international scientific meetings and through publications in scientific, peer reviewed journals

Professional Development - Participate in all phases of the Foundation's Professional Development Program by regularly assessing and modifying the individual development plan, meeting with mentor committee and attending trainings

Intellectual Property - Actively seek and identify research innovations; maintain research data in a manner to enable intellectual property protection; disclose such innovations to allow value assessment and, if appropriate, intellectual property protection; participate in the protection and transfer of related intellectual property; be alert to and disclose known or suspected instances of research misconduct or conflicts of interest

Non-Essential Functions
• Write for internal competitive research projects (i.e. summer scholar program)
• Responsible for routinely checking email correspondence and associated attachments
• Other duties as assigned
Education

Doctorate in biological, chemical, physical, mathematical, computer science, plant breeding, agronomy, or other agriculture field required

Experience

No experience required, 2 years in a research environment preferred

Certifications & Licensures

No certification or licensure required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of a broad range of biological, agricultural, computational and/or related techniques and ability to connect and apply them in research
• Skilled in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thought
• Ability to initiate and follow through on scientific projects with minimal or no supervision
Language Ability
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
Mathematical Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
Lab Focused Research Pre-employment/Post-offer Requirements

Criminal background check

Field Focused Research Pre-employment/Post-offer Requirements

Criminal background check

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements below refer to regular, daily activities.

Lab Focused Research Physical Requirements
• Stationary Position: 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
• Move, Traverse: under 1/3 of the time
• Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position: over 2/3 of the time
• Reach with hands and arms: under 1/3 of the time
• Gripping/grasping (i.e. scissors, shears, pipette, etc.): under 1/3 of the time
• Communicate, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express Oneself, Exchange Information: over 2/3 of the time
Field Focused Research Physical Requirements
• Stationary Position: 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
• Move, Traverse: 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
• Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position: over 2/3 of the time
• Reach with hands and arms: 1/3 to 2/3 of the time
• Gripping/grasping (i.e. scissors, shears, pipette, etc.): under 1/3 of the time
• Communicate, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express Oneself, Exchange Information: over 2/3 of the time
Lab Focused Research Weight Requirements
• Maximum load required to push or pull in a workday: 1 - 10 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
• Average load required to push or pull in a workday: 1 - 10 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
• Maximum load required to lift in a workday: 1 - 10 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
• Average load required to lift in a workday: 1 - 10 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
Field Focused Research Weight Requirements
• Maximum load required to push or pull in a workday: 21 - 50 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
• Average load required to push or pull in a workday: 11 - 20 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
• Maximum load required to lift in a workday: 21 - 50 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
• Average load required to lift in a workday: 11 - 20 lbs 1-2 times per day, 1 - 2 days per week
Lab Focused Research Vision Requirements
• Ability to adjust focus: Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus
• Close vision: Clear vision at 20 inches or less
• Color vision: Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Depth perception: Three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships
• Distance vision: Clear vision at 20 feet or more
• Peripheral vision: Ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point
Field Focused Research Vision Requirements
• Ability to adjust focus: Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus
• Close vision: Clear vision at 20 inches or less
• Color vision: Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Depth perception: Three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships
• Distance vision: Clear vision at 20 feet or more
• Peripheral vision: Ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point
Lab Focused Research Work Environments, Conditions and Equipment
• Work conditions include exposure to fumes or airborne particles
• Work near moving mechanical parts required in certain functions of the job
• Work conditions include extreme cold (non-weather related)
• Work conditions include extreme heat (non-weather related)
• Work conditions include exposure to radioisotopes
• Work conditions include exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals
• Work conditions include wet or humid (non-weather related) environments
• Use of personal protective equipment required in certain functions of the job (e.g., protective eye wear, gloves, laboratory coats, hearing protection, hard hat, protective coveralls)
Field Focused Research Work Environments, Conditions and Equipment
• Work conditions include extreme cold (non-weather related)
• Work conditions include extreme heat (non-weather related)
• Work conditions include exposure to fumes or airborne particles
• Work near moving mechanical parts required in certain functions of the job
• Work conditions include working outdoors
• Work conditions include exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals
• Work conditions include wet or humid (non-weather related) environments
• Use of personal protective equipment required in certain functions of the job (e.g., protective eye wear, gloves, laboratory coats, hearing protection, hard hat, protective coveralls)


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