The successful candidate will study ways of improving the spatial and temporal resolution of genetic inferences about past human migrations. Although there is scope to accommodate existing research interests, the successful candidate will develop, implement and test new methods in statistical genetics, and apply these methods to genome-scale datasets. This research will initially be directed toward reconstructing aspects of prehistoric mobility in the Pacific region, a major focus of my research group.

This postdoctoral fellowship offers a rare opportunity to extend your research training within an internationally recognized computational biology research group, while taking advantage of New Zealand’s unique natural and cultural environment. Palmerston North, a university town with a large international community, offers a full range of social and cultural amenities. The city is located close to the North Island’s central mountains, and presents regular opportunities for hiking, skiing, surfing and adventure sports, as well as experiencing New Zealand’s unique indigenous culture. Nevertheless, my research group maintains extensive international connections, especially with colleagues in Australia, Indonesia, France and the United States, and is linked firmly into the international scientific community.

Minimum Qualifications:
– A Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, applied mathematics, computer science, population genetics, molecular evolution, or other relevant field.
– Able to conduct independent cutting-edge research.
– Proven research experience with a strong publication record.
– Solid analytical, quantitative and mathematical skills.
– Fluency in probabilistic modeling and statistical genetics.
– Candidates should be comfortable working in a UNIX environment, have a strong programming background, and be proficient in working with large datasets.

Scholarship Application Deadline:15 May 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application