POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN APPLIED
GENOMICS OF SOCKEYE SALMON

THE PROJECT

In partnership with the Wild Salmon Center and the Molecular Genetics team at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Salmon Watersheds Lab at Simon Fraser University (SFU) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow or equivalent in applied genomics.

This project will seek to identify genomic markers for ecotype and run-timing through whole genome sequencing and the use of SNP analyses. The project will focus on sockeye salmon from the North and Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Project goals include comparing whole genome sequences across diverse run-timings and ecotypes (lake vs. river-type spawners) in sockeye to shed new light on the gene regions associated with sockeye salmon life-history diversity. This work aims to enable and catalyze proactive fisheries management and recovery actions that foster the diversity, adaptation, and resilience of sockeye salmon for the benefit of ecosystems, cultures, and economies. The project is spearheaded by a diverse team from the Salmon Watersheds Lab of Simon Fraser University, the Wild Salmon Center, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada, Coastal Rivers Conservancy, and in partnership with First Nations, including the Nuxalk, Taku River Tlingit, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, and Haida communities.

THE CANDIDATE

We seek a candidate that will lead the genome-wide association and population structure  analyses. The successful candidate will have: 

• PhD or equivalent experience in genomic techniques and their analyses; 
• Proven track record of taking science to completion;
• Work effectively in a collaborative team;
• Experience running large analyses on big data, such as with cloud computing;
• Some related background or interests in salmon systems or fisheries management would be a bonus

ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
 
Simon Fraser University sits atop Burnaby Mountain in British Columbia’s lower mainland,  minutes from downtown Vancouver and a variety of spectacular mountainous environs. Simon Fraser University has a long history of study in geomorphology and water sciences and remains a stimulating environment in which to learn and do research. SFU is an equity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

OTHER INFORMATION
 
Postdoc funding would be available for 2-years, subject to suitable performance. The start date for this position is January 2025. The successful candidate will likely be based out of  the Molecular Genetics Lab at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo BC, but we can discuss other potential working situations. The postdoctoral fellow will be under the primary  advisement of project co-lead Dr. Eric Rondeau, and WSC genomic scientist Dr. Tasha Thompson, as well as other members of the project team. We note that project funding has not yet been given final approval by the funder, thus this position is subject to that approval.

TO APPLY

Applicants should email a CV and a brief cover letter to adminjwm@sfu.ca with the subject: “2025 Salmon Applied Genomics application”. Applications will be reviewed starting December 20, 2024 but we will consider applicants on a rolling basis.  Please note:
 
Your CV should reference relevant work and educational experience and contact information for three (3) professional references;
Your cover letter  should be two (2) pages or less and should: 

1. Highlight relevant experience and analytical expertise;
2. Specific interest and potential research directions for this project;
3. Communicate the timing of your availability. 

Both documents should be pdf files and the file names should start with the last name of the applicant.

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