Project description: The dog is a unique and novel model for human disease. Dogs get roughly the same diseases as people, have an almost identical gene set and are exposed to a similar environment. In addition, the breed structure makes the genome structure advantageous for trait mapping. In a large collaboration between, Uppsala University, the Swedish Agricultural University in Uppsala, the Broad Institute and collaborators in Europe and US a major research program is focusing on finding canine disease genes for cancer, autoimmune disease, neurological and cardiac disease and translating the findings to human patients.
Description of work: To perform bioinformatic analysis to identify mutations responsible for canine disease as a model for human complex traits. A special emphasis will be on applying and extending tools for new-sequencing technology, to identify mutations in candidate regions using Illumina or SOLiD technology. This will include performing alignments and SNP discovery as well as identification of functional elements in regions of interest. Methodology for identification of selective sweep signals in dogs will be developed. Genome-wide association data and array data for CNV detection will also be available. The postdoc will be responsible for the bioinformatic analysis and will work together with bioinformatic members in the Nordic Network. The postdoc will work as part of a project team together other members of the canine genetics group in Uppsala.
Qualifications: A PhD with an emphasis on computational biology or bioinformatics. Experience with sequence analysis and programming is necessary, and a strong background in math and statistics is preferred. Some prior knowledge of molecular biology is a plus. An excellent ability to communicate in English is necessary. The applicant should be motivated and goal oriented. It is important that the applicant can work independently and in a team.
Further information about the position is given by Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, e-mail: Kerstin.Lindblad-Toh@imbim.uu.se, phone: 018-471 4386. Union representatives: Anders Grundström, SACO-rådet, tel: 018-471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, tel: 018-471 1996 samt Stefan Djurström, SEKO, tel: 018-471 3315.
Please submit your application with a CV containing the names and email/phone numbers for two references and a one page personal letter where you describe yourself, your area of expertise and your interests by April 23, 2009 to: Registrator, UFV-PA 2009/728, Uppsala universitet, Box 256, 751 05 Uppsala eller fax 018-471 2000. Application should be mailed in hard copy.
