Many central questions in genetics remain unanswered. Can we predict the phenotype of an organism from its complete genome sequence? How does variation in genetic background between individuals affects the outcome of a specific genetic perturbation? What is the molecular basis for non-additive genetic interactions? In our group ( www.fraserlab.org ), we use complementary genomics approaches including RNAi screening, next-generation sequencing methods, and computational analyses to try to address these kind of basic open questions.
We currently have full funding for 2 post-doctoral positions. The ideal candidates will already have Ph.D. level experience of applying genomics technologies to address biological problems, and should have both experimental and computational skills. We view these as inseparable requirements — generating and analyzing large-scale datasets is central to everything we do. There is currently a tremendous range of ongoing, fully-funded projects to work on in our group from dissecting the basis for natural variation in RNAi phenotypes in the worm, to systematic delineation of splicing networks throughout development, to studying the evolution of gene function between C. elegans and related nematodes. What you choose to work on, and where you take it is up to you — the more flexible, curious, and imaginative you are, the better.
Our group is located in The Donnelly Centre, an outstanding institute which brings together a highly collaborative set of world-leading groups working on cutting edge genetics, computational biology, and bioengineering. We moved here over three years ago and could not be happier — it is an astounding environment for a young, imaginative scientist.
Details: These positions are currently open and deadline for applications is May 15th. Applications with a full CV, references and a cover letter should be submitted by email to Prof Andrew Fraser (andy.fraser@utoronto.ca).
Publications that give a flavor of our ongoing work
- The majority of animal genes are required for wild-type fitness. (2012) Cell. Feb 17;148(4):792-802.
- Genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing in C. elegans (2011). Genome Res. Feb;21(2):342-8.
- Predicting genetic modifier loci using functional gene networks (2010). Genome Res. 2Aug;20(8):1143-53.
- Evolutionary plasticity of genetic networks (2008). Nat Genet. Apr;40(4):390-1.