PostDoc Position in Seattle, WA
A new postdoctoral position is available in Trevor Bedford’s group
at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center located in Seattle, WA.
Research will focus on virus phylogenies and infectious disease dynamics.
A primary goal is to reconstruct patterns of strain replacement
and characterize what makes a strain evolutionarily successful.
With knowledge of past success, future progenitor strains may be able
to be algorithmically predicted. Initial application will focus on
the influenza virus where timely inference of progenitor strains has
important applications to vaccine strain selection.
Previous research has shown that amino acid replacements at certain sites
in influenza’s hemagglutinin (HA) protein tend to result in viruses that
can partially escape existing human immunity leading to these mutants
fixing within the viral population. Still, other sites in HA appear to
be primarily functional and replacements at these sites lead to viral
lineages that are likely to go extinct. Other research has focused on
phylogeographic patterns, finding that viruses in China and Southeast
Asia are historically more likely to be progenitor strains. The proposed
research aims to extend and unite these previously retrospective studies
to a fully statistical and predictive framework for viral evolution
that would incorporate multiple predictors of evolutionary success.
For general background, see http://bedford.io.
The ideal candidate has experience with phylogenetic inference and/or
infectious disease modeling and a strong interest in computational and
statistical methods development. Candidates should also have programming
experience in at least one scripting language (e.g. R, Python, Perl)
and/or one compiled language (Java ideal) and a proven track-record of
peer reviewed publications. However, candidates with PhDs from diverse
backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including biology, mathematics,
statistics, physics and computer science.
The position is available immediately with flexible starting dates for
a 2-year appointment with possibility of extension. Informal inquires
are welcome. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offers competitive salaries
commensurate with experience and skills, complete with benefits.
To apply please send (1) cover letter that includes the names and contacts
for three references and a short statement of research interests, (2)
a current CV and (3) code samples or links to published/distributed code
to tbedford <at> fhcrc.org.