The Department of Entomology at the University of California, Riverside, invites applicants for an Assistant Project Scientist (full-time) in Computational Biology and Entomology to conduct basic and applied research in the laboratory of Dr. Luciano Cosme in Riverside, CA. This position will start on October 1, 2024.

The purpose of this position is to perform research and project activities in the following areas: arbovirus and insect-specific virus detection using molecular diagnostics (qPCR, small RNA sequencing), insect-specific virus sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, virome analysis, bacterial metagenomics, and gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, RNAseq). Isolate HMW-DNA for haplotagging. Perform whole genome sequencing analysis using the haplotagging pipeline in the UCR HPC environment. Expertise with Python and experience working in an HPC environment are required. Perform genome-wide association analysis for different traits of mosquitoes.

The employee will be expected to conduct research activities for projects involving these areas, including contributions to troubleshooting, experimental designs and protocols, data analysis, and manuscript writing. The employee will also assist undergraduate and graduate personnel as part of these duties. The employee will be expected to meet competency standards in the areas described above, with progress to be evaluated through assessment of research outputs (completed experiments, data analyses, and methods portions of manuscripts) and contributions towards training students participating in relevant projects. Opportunities will be available to learn new techniques and receive professional training from core facility personnel.

The current base pay range for this position is $74,100 through $94,200.

Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include:

• Ph.D. in Computational biology or bioinformatics.
• 1-year experience with mosquito genomics.
• Experience with HPC environment, Python, and R.
• Experience with insecticide resistance bioassays using different methods (CDC bottle assay, WHO).
• Experience with vector competence assays for arbovirus using natural populations.

The additional qualification for this position that must be met by the date of hire is experience handling and rearing mosquitoes.

Preferred qualifications for this position include:

• Ph.D. in Computational biology or related field with Postdoc experience working with mosquito genomics, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
• Experience breeding mosquitoes, maintaining populations and colonies, and conducting field collections.

Advancement through the Project Scientist ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

To apply: please submit the following items to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF01970:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Statement of Past and/or Planned Future Contributions to Advancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
3. Contact information for 3 references

Review of applications will commence on September 7, 2024, and proceed until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Professor Luciano Cosme, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Entomology, at luciano.cosme@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Ashleigh Bennett, Academic Personnel, at ashleigh.bennett@ucr.edu.

University of California COVID-19 Vaccination Program Policy: As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.