The Stone Lab at the Arizona State University is recruiting one Postdoctoral Research scholar in forensic genetics and genomics to assist with a National Institutes of Justice funded project that partners researchers at ASU with the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner in assessing new methods appropriate for forensic samples of burned bone. Specifically, our goals are to examine questions about the relationship between different degrees of charring/burning and DNA recovery for different skeletal elements, the success rate of the different extraction methods and different analytical methods (STR analysis, genomic SNPs), and the extent of fragmentation and damage in DNA recovered from different tissues with different levels of burning. This research will probe the margins of obtaining DNA from burned human remains using novel ancient genomic technologies optimized for maximum ultra-short molecular recovery.

The anticipated start date is in January 2020. The full-time, benefits-eligible position is renewable on an annual basis (July 1 – June 30), contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and the needs of the university. Applicants must be within five years of receipt of their Ph.D. to be considered for initial appointment and for subsequent annual renewal.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in anthropology, evolutionary biology, or a related field by the time of appointment.

Desired qualifications include experience in ancient DNA, forensic genetic, or population genetic laboratory research and the ability to analyze large NGS datasets using scripts and analysis pipelines.

For more information about the Stone Lab, please see http://stone.lab.asu.edu/. The position will be based in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at the Arizona State University with links to the Center for Bioarchaeological Research (CBR) and the Center for Evolution and Medicine (CEM). The mission of the CBR is to advance problem-based research that seeks to discover and communicate new knowledge about past peoples' life experiences, including health and disease, cultural contexts, and environmental adaptations well as to address critical contemporary problems through innovative approaches to the analysis of the physical evidence of our past human biology (See https://shesc.asu.edu/research/centers/center-bioarchaeological-research for more details). The Mission of the CEM is to improve human health by establishing evolutionary biology as an essential basic science for medicine, worldwide. It supports research that demonstrates the power of evolutionary biology to advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of disease, as well as teaching and outreach initiatives (See http://evmed.asu.edu for details). SHESC, CBR and CEM provide postdoctoral fellows with opportunities collaborate with faculty from a wide-range of disciplines including anthropology, biology, complex systems, computational informatics, genetics, infectious disease, psychology, and virology.

To apply, please submit application materials electronically to http://apply.interfolio.com/72158 required materials include: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications and previous research, 2) a current curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. General questions about this initiative should be directed to Dr. Anne Stone.

Initial deadline for complete applications is January 4, 2020; if not filled, review of complete applications will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

The fiscal year (12-month) salary for this position is $47,476 along with competitive benefits through ASU including health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. The associate must be in residence in the greater-Phoenix metropolitan area during the appointment.

A background check is required for employment.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full non-discrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at: https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html.

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