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Postdoctoral Fellow – Madagascar Biodiversity Genomics
Job Description:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Genetics Department (OHDZA-CG) based in Omaha, Nebraska is seeking a post-doctoral researcher with interest/expertise in the generation and analysis of next-generation sequencing data of lemurs, tortoises, and other taxa from Madagascar.
Duties:
The successful applicant will construct genomic library for high throughput sequencing as well as assemble and analyze sequence data and manage next‐generation sequence workflows. This individual will be responsible for development, implementation, and support of software applications related to variant detection and interpretation from high-throughput experiments involving multiple species of lemurs, tortoises, and taxa from Madagascar. Interested candidates should be highly motivated, organized, independent, and have extensive experience with molecular genomics and bioinformatics. Travel to Madagascar to support the field programs of OHDZA-CG is required for a minimum of five week intervals twice a year.
Basic Qualifications:
Applicants should hold a PhD in bioinformatics, computer science, molecular genomics or related field and have more than one year of experience in high‐throughput genome sequence analysis. Applicants should be experienced at software related to next generation sequencing data and be able to manipulate genomic data for phylogenetics and phylogeography. Our group’s focus is large-scale sequencing for phylogenetics, phylogeography and evolutionary studies of lemurs, tortoises and other taxa from Madagascar. Thus, previous experience in genome assemblies, annotation and analysis of next generation sequencing (NGS) are preferable. The ideal candidate will be independent, highly motivated, productive, and able to work effectively in a team with members from a variety of diverse backgrounds with outstanding written and verbal communication skills. The successful applicant must be interested in interdisciplinary science and field research and have a solid publication record that illustrates ability to conduct novel, independent research.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates should have 3+ years of experience in molecular biology, genetics, or bioinformatics. The position requires proficiency in programming (Perl, C++) and Linus operating systems. Applicants are also expected to be familiar with bioinformatics tools and genomics databases and have extensive and creditable laboratory experience with constructing genomic libraries.
Appointment:
The selected candidate will be based primarily at OHDZA-CG, but the individual will be required to travel and conduct field work with the projects under the management of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, ONG (www.madagascarpartnership.org). Salary/benefits are based on OHDZA-CG’s salary/benefits structure, and are commensurate with experience. The initial appointment is for duration of two‐years, but is renewable for an additional two years based on performance.
Application:
Applicants should send curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and career goals, and the names and addresses of three academic references to:
Dr. Edward E. Louis,
Director of Conservation Genetics
Center for Conservation and Research
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107
Email: edlo AT omahazoo DOT com; genetics AT omahazoo DOT com
Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2013 and the position selected by August 1, 2013. The position will begin on September 1, 2013.
**RESEARCH RELEASED**
How a Homely Lemur's Genome
May Help Save It
By Wynne Parry
Homely???
We say precious!
In a study released today (March 25, 2013) by the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Reseachers including Dr. Edward Louis Jr., and with the help of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, have worked to sequence the genomes from 12 Aye-ayes from three regions in Madagascar and compared them.The team members hope that their studies will help to guide conservation efforts to help save the Aye aye and other lemurs in the future.To read more From LiveScience.com about their exciting research and see more pictures of Aye ayes, click on picture above!
Other Related Articles
Endangered Lemurs' Complete Genomes are Sequenced
and Analyzed for Conservation Efforts from Penn State Science
Aye-Ayes: Endangered Lemurs' Complete Genomes
Are Sequenced and Analyzed for Conservation Efforts from Science Daily
Fantastic news!!!
MBP was selected as one of the winning organizations in the Zoo Boise 2012 Conservation Fund Competition!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
A million "thank yous" can not express the gratitude that we here at the MBP and Omaha Zoo feel for your recognition for our project and efforts to vote for us. It's a wonderful feeling to know that so many people believe in what we are doing and want to help Madagascar become a leader in biodiversity protection through the use of sustainable practices.
We can't wait to ramp up our community-based reforestation effort, which is what you have made possible, thanks your vote for us.
Misaotra betsaka!
See the competition results at: http://www.zooboise.org/zooboiseconservationfundwinningprojects.aspx
We Need Your Vote For Zoo Boise’s Conservation Fund Competition!
We are counting on you!
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership have a great opportunity to help the lemurs, wildlife and people of Madagascar – but we need your help. We are entered in Zoo Boise’s 2013 Conservation Fund, and if we get enough votes, we will get to share in $110,000 worth of grants! In just the last few years, we have been able to plant over 50,000 trees through our community-based reforestation program. Plus, we’re introducing solar power and fuel efficiency cooking systems to help the area residents find a sustainable path forward, thereby protecting the forests for their future and for the lemurs. So we’re asking for your help once more – by voting for us.
Click here to vote!
Once you’ve cast your vote, go a step further to help us win:
-E-Mail your friends and family, and ask that they case their vote for the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership!
Here is some sample text:
Dear Friend,
Please take a second to vote for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership in the Zoo Boise’s 2013 Conservation Fund Competition. These organizations have worked tirelessly in Madagascar for 14 years, partnering with local communities to make sustainable choices that offer benefits to endangered lemurs as well as area residents. In the last few years, their community-based conservation program has planted over 50,000 trees to restore damaged forests. I hope you’ll take a second to vote for them, and help them continue their great work! Just go to http://www.zooboise.org/zbcfprojects.aspx, and cast your vote.
-Share on your Facebook wall:
Here is some sample text:
Please join me in voting for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership in the Zoo Boise’s 2013 Conservation Fund Competition! They have partnered with local communities to make sustainable choices that offer benefits to endangered lemurs as well as area residents. In the last few years, their community-based conservation program has planted over 50,000 trees to restore damaged forests, and your vote could help them plant many more! Vote at: http://www.zooboise.org/zbcfprojects.aspx
- Post on Facebook pages that you think may appreciate our work!
Here is some sample text:
I’m stopping by to ask that you please take a second to vote for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership in the Zoo Boise’s 2013 Conservation Fund Competition. In the last few years, their community-based conservation program has planted over 50,000 trees to restore damaged forests, and your vote could help them plant many more! Go to http://www.zooboise.org/zbcfprojects.aspx to vote now.
Reforestation Efforts in Kianjavato, Madagascar
In November 2011, OHDZ-MBP received a generous grant from the Association of Zoological Horticulture. With the AZH grant, a Stihl auger and planting bit were purchased which greatly increased the number of seedlings planted in a day. 
Now, instead of hand digging 40 holes for seedlings in a day, our team is able to dig 1,000 holes in a single day. During the first three weeks of using this auger, the OHDZ-MBP team has transplanted 7,725 seedlings!
Read More about it on our blog and in the upcoming AZH Newsletter!
We made the cover!!!
http://www.oxfordjournals.org/our_journals/gbe/cover_caption.html
Doesn't the Aye-aye look awesome on this cover?!?
In 2010, OHDZ-MBP was awarded a grant from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and the Conservation Endowment Fund. This grant was to help support our reforestation program as well as expand our rocket stove program in Kianjavato, Madagascar.
We just turned in our final reports and are proud to announce that our effort has proven to be a success. The video highlights some of the advances we've made this year.
Thanks AZA & CEF for your support and belief in the MBP!
Thanks to all of you who helped during the 2011 Zoo Boise Conservation Fund open voting session.
Unfortunately, the MBP was not selected as one of the top four candidates for funding. Although this is a disappointment, we are honored just to make the cut for the top eight conservation organizations that were up for consideration. We were up against some amazing conservation efforts, focused on the plight of the cheetah, orangutan, or rhino, all of which deserved the grant and our support for future success.
Please keep tabs of our progress here on our website and blog pages!
Thanks again for your support!
Here's a little video that explains our project for consideration by the 2011 Zoo Boise Conservation Fund.
Our proposal "Lemurs Rebuilding Madagascar's Forest - Let's Doo-Doo It!" is asking for funding to further strengthen our community-supported reforestation program that uses seeds collected from lemur doo-doo to regrow the forests of Kianjavato! We need your vote so we can reach our 1 million tree goal!!!
Now through October 28, you can cast your vote by visiting the Zoo Boise website at http://www.zooboise.org/zbcfprojects.aspx
If you love our project, please visit Zoo Boise's site and vote!
Be sure to visit madagascarpartnership.org for more information and updates!
There are more endemic plants and animals found in Madagascar than anywhere else in the world! But over 90% of the forests have been destroyed leaving many of the amazing species without habitat. That's why the MBP is involved in scientific research, community involvement, and education.
Check out our videos to see some very rare species from Madagascar!
This video is of Dr. Louis and our field team tracking one of the world's most endangered primates, the Greater Bamboo lemur, in Kianjavato Madagascar. The lemur is first tracked by the spotting of bamboo chutes that the lemurs have snacked on!
Madagascar's amazing biodiversity offers an abundance of cuteness: Watch this dancing tenrec!
This lowland streaked tenrec is one of hundreds of endemic animals in Madagascar that depend on the remaining 10% of forest habitat.
The MBP focused on conservation research, community-based conservation, education & outreach- and they are all connected and dependant on one another.
We Need Your Help!
There are many ways to give to the MBP! Email us under our Contact Us page to inquire about a donation or check out our Volunteer Program! The tenrec video above taken by Sophie, one of the MBP's volunteers.
Newest Photos from Madagascar!
Aye aye the MBP has been tracking in Kianjavato:
This mountain in Kianjavato may look beautiful, but if you look beyond the foreground, you will see the deforestation that has claimed over 90% of Madagascar's original forest cover.
Cute, hungry Greater bamboo lemur:
Gold mining witnessed in Daraina, in the middle of the forest. Mining like this has had devastating effects on the forests of Madagascar and often leaves the Malagasy community oppressed financially by foreign mining companies.
