Position Description

Area:             Microbiology, molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering and bioinformatics
Duration:      One year (with the potential for extension based on a performance review after the first year)
Start date:    As soon as possible   
Salary:          $46,000/year plus benefits

The Department of Ecosystem Public Health in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Dr. Dongyan Niu's Laboratory. 

Job Description:
An outstanding postdoctoral scholar to deliver an interdisciplinary research and develop their leadership potential in one of the following directions:

1. Studying bacteriophage-host interaction using transposon-directed insertion site sequencing, RNA- seq and living-cell imaging system
2. Bacteriophage functional genomics
3. Viral metagenomics.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must possess a PhD degree (completed in the last 3-years) or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (e.g., microbiology, molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering and bioinformatics)
• A combination of the following laboratory skills would be beneficial: experience in microbiology, live-celling imaging system, molecular biology (DNA, RNA, and Protein), genomics, tissue culture, cell biology or animal models
• A candidate with excellent record of accomplishment and self-motivation to identify and solve scientific problems with creative approaches will be preferred
• The successful candidate will be required to work within a team environment, so excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of interdisciplinary researchers is a must
• Ability to initiate and develop original scientific research projects
• Strong written skills are desired
• The ability to work independently is required

*To be eligible as a Postdoctoral scholar at the University of Calgary, you must have been awarded a PhD or equivalent degree within five (5) years immediately preceding the appointment. Please review the Postdoc Eligibility Guidelines for more information prior to applying for this position

Lab Environment:
UCVM is well established amongst research-intensive North American veterinary colleges with a high quality of research programs and graduate training programs. There are over 70 faculty members, 125 DVM students, 110 graduate students, 25 post-doctoral fellows, and 15 advanced clinical trainees. Descriptions of the Faculty and its departments can be found on the UCVM website (http://www.vet.ucalgary.ca). In addition, UCVM is closely integrated with the Cumming School of Medicine, trainees will be in a unique environment of accessing outstanding research infrastructures (e.g. gnotobiotic research facility) and conducting world-class activities for comparative medical and One Health research. Moreover, Dr. Niu has established solid collaborations with a number of government research agencies ( e.g. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Public Health Agency Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), trainees will therefore have plenty of opportunities of interacting with top research scientists disciplined in infectious disease, human and animal health.

Application details:  

• single-page cover letter
• a curriculum vitae
• academic transcripts
• statement of research interest and career goals
• a list of three references contacts

Additional Information

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Postdoc Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine visit Careers in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

To succeed as one of Canada’s top universities, where new ideas are created, tested and applied through first-class teaching and research, the University of Calgary needs more of the best minds in our classrooms and labs. We’re increasing our scholarly capacity by investing in people who want to change the world, bringing the best and brightest to Calgary to form a global intellectual hub and achieve advances that matter to everyone. For more information visit research.ucalgary.ca/postdocs.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.