The IGB is once again offering fellowships for truly exceptional young scholars who have completed their PhD or other relevant terminal degree within the last two years, who are looking for a stimulating and supportive interdisciplinary environment to carry out both independent and collaborative research.

IGB Fellows typically spend two years conducting research in one of several research themes in the Institute, ideally overlapping with two or more of these thematic areas. The annual salary is $58,000, in addition to a $7,500 research allowance.

Information on the specific themes currently seeking a Fellow is below.

Visit www.igb.illinois.edu/carl-r-woese-fellows to apply.

Bioinformatics Research Administration
Working with the Director of Computational Genomics, the Fellow will provide leadership in bioinformatics and computational genomics, with a particular emphasis on spatial ‘omics technologies, develop initiatives that to elevate IGB prominence in computational genomics, assist with sections related to computational genomics on grant proposals, partner with faculty to learn research interests and identify computational genomics needs, and develop a training program with the Director geared towards building a campus-level cadre of computational genomics analysts and programmers. Candidates with a background in computational genomics or bioinformatics with experience in interdisciplinary research projects preferred.

Biosystems Design
The BSD theme focuses on the design of biological systems using synthetic biology, systems biology, AI/ML, and automation tools for biomedical and biotechnological applications. Fellows are expected to hold a PhD in a relevant field such as chemical engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, biology, computer science, and statistics. Interest in applying AI/ML and automation to synthetic biology preferred.

Center for Artificial Intelligence and Modeling
CAIM is a multi-disciplinary collaborative research group with a focus on designing new machine learning approaches for multiomics data and developing predictive computational models for evolutionary biology, microbial ecology, and other biological systems. Fellows are expected to assume a leadership role in organizing group events and in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students advised by members of the Center. Preference for candidates with a strong background in analytical sciences and strong programming skills, knowledge of genomics or bioinformatics desired but not required.

Center for Genomic Diagnostics
The CGD’s mission is to identify and exploit novel nucleic acid and protein biomarkers of cancer, infectious disease, and health/wellness that can be noninvasively and rapidly measured from minimally invasive test samples (such as a blood fingerstick) using new technology platforms. In projects related to cancer liquid biopsies, our goal is to measure diagnostic biomarkers (such as miRNA, ctDNA, and lncRNA) in cancer patients to identify cancer sub-classes, to monitor recurrence, and to track therapy. In projects related to infectious disease, we develop rapid, quantitative, and ultrasensitive technologies for viral detection and serology with simple workflows for point of care scenarios. The Fellow will serve in a research and leadership role to facilitate collaboration between interdisciplinary teams at the intersection of computational genomics, engineering, molecular biology, and clinical practice. The Fellow will develop ultra-sensitive technologies that integrate molecular probes built on designer DNA nanostructures, DNA strand displacement, and protein engineering strategies with nanostructured optical biosensors, high contrast nanoparticle tags (quantum dots and plasmonic nanoparticles), and microscopy-based detection instrumentation. Candidates with a PhD in an engineering-based or life-science-based discipline, including electrical engineering, optics, bioengineering, chemistry, molecular biology, or biochemistry are encouraged to apply.

Genomic Ecology of Global Change
The Fellow will be involved in a cross-disciplinary project investigating stomata, photosynthesis and water use efficiency in major crops with particular focus on food security crops. The goal is to understand the genetic and physiological controls of photosynthetic water use efficiency, in order to improve crop resilience, sustainability and productivity in a number of key growing regions. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in molecular genetics or physiology, preferably with a focus on stomata or photosynthesis. The Fellow will be expected to actively engage with a collaborative team using synthetic biology, gene editing, and enhanced efficiency transformation strategies to improve the water use efficiency of crops.  The ability to work creatively and productively in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment is essential.

Gene Networks in Neural and Developmental Plasticity
The GNDP Theme focuses on gene regulatory mechanisms and technology development that can be used to study brain, behavior and evolution. Fellows are expected to hold a PhD in a relevant field such as bioinformatics, biology, computer science, statistics or neuroscience. Interest in single cell sequencing technologies, image processing and the development of new methods for analyzing spatial ‘omics data preferred.

Genomic Security and Privacy
The GSP Theme focuses on the security and privacy of genomic information. The Fellow will work with multiple faculty on projects that examine new technical approaches to genomic data storage, analysis, and sharing, the legal frameworks surrounding genomic data, and public attitudes and concerns regarding new and existing genomic technologies. The aim is to leverage an interdisciplinary approach to genomics to develop new technologies and guidance for public policy in the area of genomic security and privacy protections. The Fellow will also take a leadership role in organizing group events and mentoring students and other junior members of the team.

Infection Genomics for One Health
IGOH takes a comparative approach exploring dynamics of mobile genes and genomes in many different microbial ecosystems. Fellows will study multi-scale dynamics of antibiotic resistance in one health, working in a collaborative team to integrate large scale high-throughput single-cell genomic tools to identify reservoirs, transmission routes, and evolutionary dynamics of antibiotic resistance in local one health agricultural ecosystems. Expertise in plasmid biology, single-cell genomics, microbial population biology, public health, antibiotic resistance or scientific communication and outreach (especially those who are bilingual) preferred. Interest in investing in solutions to the urgent multi-scale challenge of antibiotic resistance is required.

Mining Microbial Genomes
The Fellow will be involved in one of several multidisciplinary projects focused on (1) the discovery, design, and development of novel antibiotics, 2) biochemical and structural biological characterization of novel biosynthetic enzymes, 3) microbial pathogenesis, or (4) characterizing and engineering the antibody repertoire that targets influenza viruses. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of expertise in one or more of the following areas: microbially produced natural products, protein biochemistry, host-microbe interactions, immunology and virology. Candidates with experience in bacterial metabolism, bacterial genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, enzyme evolution, metabolic engineering, organic synthesis, mass spectroscopy, bioinformatics and/or metagenomics, structural biology, antibody engineering, and/or viral neutralization preferred.