JOB SUMMARY

The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Pathobiology Department is seeking a Research Fellow I/II to join the laboratory of Dr. Xu Wang, an Associate Professor in Pathobiology. Dr. Wang also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, AL—a renowned center for genome medicine and agricultural genomics.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a dynamic and collaborative environment. If you’re eager to expand your research skills in a dynamic and collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply! To learn more about Dr. Wang’s work, visit his faculty profile: Dr. Xu Wang’s Faculty Profile.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory at the Center for Advanced Science Innovation and Commerce (CASIC) Building in the Auburn Research Park—a hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration. This role offers a unique chance to engage in groundbreaking projects at the intersection of genomics, bioinformatics, and canine performance sciences.
As a key member of Dr. Wang’s research team, you will collaborate closely with experts at both Auburn University and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, gaining exposure to advanced bioinformatics and genetic research. Additionally, you’ll have an exclusive opportunity to work with Auburn University’s Canine Performance Sciences—a world-renowned research program focused on detection dogs.
In this role, you will analyze unprecedented behavioral genomic data, including whole-genome PacBio Revio HiFi sequencing data from over 200 dogs in a multi-generation extended pedigree. This dataset, combined with extensive longitudinal behavioral phenotyping, offers a rare and exciting chance to contribute to discoveries that could transform the fields of genetics, animal behavior, and biotechnology.
If you’re passionate about genomics, bioinformatics, and real-world applications of cutting-edge research, this is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to be part of something groundbreaking!
The selected candidate will have an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge computational research, analyzing large-scale phenotypic and genomic data with real-world applications in animal health, genetic enhancement, and behavior genomics. This role is 100% computational, allowing for deep dives into complex datasets that drive innovation in genetics and biotechnology.
As part of this position, you will receive comprehensive training, gaining expertise in omics data analysis, research reporting, and proposal writing, while also having the chance to explore additional projects related to detection canines. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop specialized skills in one of the most dynamic and impactful areas of animal genomics.
Additionally, you will become an integral member of the Detection Canine Science, Innovation, Technology, and Education (DCSITE) program team, which provides expert insights to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This interdisciplinary program brings together top researchers in analytical chemistry, genetics, genomics, reproduction, veterinary and sports medicine, olfactory neuroscience, behavior and cognition, metrology, and engineering—all working to advance the science of detection canines.
If you’re looking for a role that combines cutting-edge computational research with real-world impact, this is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field. For more information, please visit: https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/dcsite/.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Level I: Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, computer science, genetics/genomics, or other related disciplines.
Level II: Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, computer science, genetics/genomics, or other related disciplines and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Possesses highly advanced knowledge in the field of research and the design of experiments and has broad expert knowledge of a wide range of complex equipment, materials and processes related to research planning, funding and operations.

MINIMUM TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

Technical skills: 1) proficiency in programming languages such as Perl, C, or Python; 2) experience with bioinformatics tools and platforms, such as GATK, BLAST, deepvariant, samtools, etc.; 3) familiarity with statistical analysis and data visualization techniques in R software package; 4) knowledge of database management systems (MySQL etc.).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Perl, C, or Python
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and platforms, such as GATK, BLAST, deepvariant, samtools, etc.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and data visualization techniques in R software package
• Knowledge of database management systems (MySQL etc).
  Posting Detail Information

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position analyzes large-scale phenotypic and genomic data in the context of animal health, genetic enhancement, and animal behavior genomics.

RESEARCH RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1) organizing high-dimensional phenotypes into databases, including medical records, pedigree data, longitudinal behavior phenotypes, and performance phenotypes; 2) pedigree and genetic analysis of heritability and level of inbreeding in large extended pedigrees; 3) identifying genomic and epigenomic underpinnings of canine behavioral and performance traits from HiFi long-read whole-genome data and DNA methylation data using family-based association methods; 4) assist the design and analysis of novel SNP/SV genotyping platforms; 5) comparative genomic analysis and pangenome analysis in the phenome-genome context.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1) analyzing data and preparing scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals; 2) write grant proposals and reports to secure funding and communicate research progress to funding agencies; 3) oversee next-generation sequencing data storage/backup and manage analysis pipelines to ensure accurate and efficient data processing.
Strong communication abilities are essential for collaboration within Dr. Wang’s team, with other laboratories, departments within the College of Veterinary Medicine, and partner institutions such as the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.