University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI USA$60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience

A postdoctoral research fellowship is available on a project that explores the role of genetic imprinting in the epigenetic transmission of stunting from parents to offspring.  Stunting refers to pathologically short stature and is one of the foremost causes of the global burden of disease in low-income countries.  This position provides a unique opportunity to tap both field and molecular data from a three-generation prospective cohort study of the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa.   The data set provides deep pedigrees, longitudinal growth data recorded annually from infancy to adulthood, and data on genetic imprinting from placental tissue.  The project is grounded in evolutionary theory and the “Conflict Hypothesis” while having practical utility in shedding light on the developmental origins of disease.  The successful applicant should have high competency in such areas as Bio-Statistics, Bio-Informatics, Human Genetics, and Evolutionary Biology. 

The successful applicant is expected to take the lead in statistically analyzing the molecular data in conjunction with growth and life history data, including new quantitative approaches for the analysis of this novel longitudinal data set.  S/he will program in R, help to maintain and mine a six to twelve generation pedigree data-base on the study population, and be active in drafting manuscripts for publication.  S/he will coordinate with senior project members, the laboratory staff, and Michigan’s Bio-Informatics Core Facility.  Direct participation in field or wet laboratory work is not anticipated. The position is based at the Institute for Social Research and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

The postdoctoral research fellow must hold a PhD in BioStatistics, Genetics, BioInformatics, Epidemiology, Evolutionary Biology, Anthropological Genetics, or a related field.  Demonstrated expertise in biostatistics, strong analytical skills, enthusiasm for writing manuscripts, and demonstrated ability to communicate and write clearly in English is required.  The successful applicant must show a clear interest in pursuing interdisciplinary research with the goal of becoming an independent scientist.  

To apply, visit the University of Michigan site:  umjobs.org and add 114586 in the keyword search field.  A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your CV, along with three references. 

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.