[MARMAM] Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Virology

[Daniel K. Odell]

Position Title:  Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Virology

Location:  San Diego, California

Salary Range:  $35,000 - $42,000 per year (plus benefits)

Application Deadline:  15 April 2009



Program Description: Our laboratory consists of a group of veterinarians and 
molecular biologists with an interest in marine mammal health.  The lab has 
facilities at both the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI, San Diego, 
CA) and the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL).  The position is in the 
HSWRI laboratory in San Diego. We work in close collaboration with SeaWorld 
Adventure Parks, the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program and Columbia University 
on various aspects of viral diseases of bottlenose dolphins and California 
sea lions.  The mission of our lab is to discover novel viruses and explore 
the veterinary relevance of newly discovered viruses via extensive disease 
investigations using multiple managed and free-ranging marine mammal 
populations.  Recent pathogen assessments include, but are not limited to 
poxviruses of seals, sea lions and dolphins, dolphin parainfluenzavirus type 
1, San Miguel sea lion virus, dolphin enterovirus, and herpesviruses of 
whales and dolphins.

Job Summary: The successful candidate will work under the supervision of an 
HSWRI Research Biologist, and two Principal Investigators.  The purpose of 
this position will be to participate in all aspects of the detection and 
genetic characterization of novel viruses.  Specifically, the post-doc will 
be involved in processing of clinical samples, the screening of clinical 
samples using electron microscopy, specific and degenerate PCR, 454 
pyrosequencing and panviral microarray.  The post-doc will participate in 
the preparation for manuscripts on virus characterizations.  The appointment 
will initially be for one year, with the possibility of a one-year 
extension.

Qualifications:  The candidate should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field 
granted within the past 5 years.  Previous experience with the genetic 
characterization of organisms, especially viruses, and a thorough 
understanding of molecular characterization techniques is required. 
Required skills include direct sequencing, sequence editing, sequence 
analysis, and primer design.  Experience with cloning, phylogenetic analysis 
and preparation of samples for microarray is preferred.

Application Materials and Contact information:  Please send curriculum vitae 
and a 2 page letter of intent with a description of research accomplishments 
and interests, relevant experience, along with the names and telephone 
numbers of three references to:  Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, 
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, 2595 Ingraham Street, San Diego, CA 
92109.  Application materials and questions may be submitted electronically 
to: HR at hswri.org.  Applicants should indicate a preferred start date.



Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.