Overview
Omics and informatics is one of the strongest and fastest growing areas within modern biology. The human genome project drove a technological revolution that now makes comparison of individual genomes from all forms of life possible and affordable. This technology has also facilitated high throughput sequencing of RNA and DNA, allowing a snapshot of gene function in cells to become extraordinarily accessible. Additionally, this research has fueled a better understanding of downstream aspects of gene expression including protein interactions (the proteome) and processes affected by chemical modifications of the genome (epigenomics), as well as energetics and metabolism (metabolomics). Among other societal needs, this flood of data allows unprecedented understanding, utilization, and management of natural resources, precision medicine, and genome directed detection of pathogens in environmental and food production settings. However, these opportunities also create the pressing need to devise new approaches to collect, store and analyze this information. Simply put, this is the future of modern biology and Auburn University is committed to being at the front of the field.
The Omics and Informatics Cluster is one of Auburn’s new initiatives with faculty from at least eight colleges involved including College of Agriculture, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Harrison School of Pharmacy. We are seeking dynamic and innovative scientists, at the forefront of omics and informatics sciences, to build on the strong foundation already in place at Auburn University. These positions will focus on individuals interested in developing core and platform technologies, including computation, that will be broadly applicable across multiple disciplines. Opportunities are available for both junior and senior level tenure-track faculty to build outstanding research programs in a supportive environment.
Researchers at Auburn investigate many different aspects of the biology of a huge range of species while employing a common thread of omics based approaches and informatics for the analysis of the data sets produced. Existing programs such as the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, the Cell and Molecular Biosciences Program and the Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research Program provide a rich collaborative environment. Auburn also possesses and continued to develop significant infrastructure including impressive computational resources and genomics technology. The Center for Comparative Genomics and Translational Research, established in the Fall of 2014 between Auburn University and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, allows Auburn faculty to access world-class resources and further emphasizes the need to develop expertise, both jointly with HudsonAlpha, and independently, to pursue omics and informatics research at the highest levels. The Omics and Informatics Cluster will impact Auburn, Alabama, the country and the world in broad and far-ranging ways and we welcome those who want to be a part of this exciting program.
Positions Open:
Department of Mathematics and Statistics: https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/1320
Department of Biological Sciences: https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/1332
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE): https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/1119
Department of Animal Sciences: https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/1348
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology: https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/1354
Sponsoring Colleges/Schools
College of Agriculture
Contact Information
Dr. Bruce Smith
Omics and Informatics Cluster Leader
Phone: (334) 844-5587
Fax: (334) 844-5850
smithbf@auburn.edu
Last Updated: October 17, 2016
