Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Innovation and Evolvability at the University of Arizona, Tucson
The University of Arizona in Tucson is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in protein innovation and evolvability to work with Joanna Masel (http://eebweb.arizona.edu/faculty/masel).
The conventional view is that new proteins evolve from old proteins via gene duplication and divergence. However, this poses a chicken-and-egg problem, implying an ancient “big bang” of protein creation. This project focuses instead on the ongoing de novo evolution of protein-coding genes from previously non-coding sequences. The postdoc will investigate both case studies of this phenomena, and computational predictors of biochemical properties that might facilitate such conversions over evolutionary timescales.
The Masel group’s main research interests are in robustness and evolvability, using a mixture of analytical theory, bioinformatic and simulation approaches. This work is primarily bioinformatic, but opportunities for related, more theoretical projects also exist. Experimental collaborations with structural biologist Matthew Cordes, also at the University of Arizona, are possible as well.
Excellent computer programming skills are essential, with bioinformatics / genomics experience strongly preferred. Experience with (or at least prior interest in) evolutionary biology, protein structure and folding, statistics and other quantitative approaches are all advantages. A start date of August 2013 is preferred but negotiable, and the position is renewable, with funding secured for three years.
Contact Joanna Masel (masel@u.arizona.edu) for more information or to apply.