The job description: "This research position focuses on the science
of bacterial evolution. It will consist of researching theoretical
principles, but could include translational applications. Phylogenomic
and bioinformatic analysis of bacterial populations in nature or
in laboratory experiments will be a key component of the work. Prior
experience is an asset though training will be possible at PMI.
Likewise, laboratory microbiological, molecular, and biochemical
skills are an asset though not essential. Communication and critical
thinking skills are essential for performing the work and for
communicating to the local and international scientific communities.
Participating in team or independent grant writing to obtain research
funding will be required. Student mentoring is a part of the NAU
mission and is a partial expectation."

https://hr.peoplesoft.nau.edu/psp/ph92prta/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=608024&PostingSeq=1

Northern Arizona University is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, a
beautiful mountain town with a surprisingly vibrant restaurant
scene. Located a little over an hour from the Grand Canyon and ~45
min from Sedona, Flagstaff is a hiker's paradise. In fact, the city
of Flagstaff operates more than 50 miles of unpaved trails and there
are, on average, 266 sunny days per year with which to enjoy them.
At 7000 ft in elevation, Flagstaff experiences all four seasons,
but thesummers are mild and, in the winter, you can be on the ski
slopes within 30 min! https://www.flagstaffarizona.org/

As mentioned, joint projects with Professor Sheppard at Oxford
University are possible, including travel to his laboratory in the
United Kingdom. https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/samuel-sheppard

Contact Information:
Paul.Keim@nau.edu

Paul S. Keim, Ph.D.
Regents Professor, &
Cowden Endowed Chair of Microbiology
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-4073

Paul S Keim

What is Bacterial Comparative Genomics?

Comparative genomics involves the systematic comparison of genomes across different bacterial species or strains. This approach allows scientists to:

• Identify conserved and unique genes.

• Explore genetic determinants of pathogenicity.

• Understand bacterial evolution and phylogenetics.

• Investigate horizontal gene transfer and its role in antibiotic resistance.

Bioinformatics is central to these analyses, enabling the processing and interpretation of large-scale genomic data.

Key Steps in Bacterial Comparative Genomics

1. Genome Sequencing and Assembly: The process begins with obtaining high-quality bacterial genome sequences. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have made it faster and more affordable to sequence bacterial genomes. Tools such as SPAdes and Velvet are commonly used for genome assembly.

2. Genome Annotation: Annotating a genome involves identifying genes, regulatory elements, and other genomic features. Automated tools like Prokka and RAST provide functional annotations, allowing researchers to predict the roles of genes and proteins.

3. Genome Alignment: Aligning genomes is crucial for identifying conserved regions, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and structural variations. Tools like Mauve and progressiveMauve are commonly employed for whole-genome alignments.

4. Comparative Analyses:

   • Core and Pan-genome Analysis: The core genome consists of genes shared across all strains of a species, while the pan-genome includes all genes found in any strain. Software like Roary and BPGA can perform core and pan-genome analyses.

   • Phylogenetic Analysis: Comparative genomics often involves reconstructing evolutionary relationships. Tools such as MEGA and IQ-TREE facilitate phylogenetic tree construction based on genomic data.

   • Functional Enrichment Analysis: To understand the biological significance of unique or shared genes, functional enrichment analysis using databases like GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG is essential.

Here are some additional bioinformatics tools that can aid bacterial comparative genomics:

• OrthoFinder: For accurate ortholog identification across multiple genomes.

• PanOCT: Specifically designed for pan-genome clustering and annotation.

• FASTANI: A tool for calculating Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) for microbial genome comparisons.

• CIRCOS: For visually comparing genomic data through circular genome plots.

• Galaxy Platform: A user-friendly web-based platform offering numerous genomic analysis tools.

• BLAST: Essential for sequence alignment and similarity searches.

• PhyloSift: Focused on phylogenetic analysis of microbial genomes using marker genes.

These tools, in combination with the methods discussed, provide a robust framework for conducting comprehensive comparative genomic studies.

Applications of Bacterial Comparative Genomics

1. Understanding Pathogenicity: Comparative genomics helps identify virulence factors that distinguish pathogenic strains from non-pathogenic relatives. For instance, comparing genomes of Escherichia coli strains has revealed key genetic determinants of pathogenicity in enterohemorrhagic strains.

2. Antibiotic Resistance Research: The spread of antibiotic resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer is a major global concern. Comparative analyses can trace the origins and dissemination of resistance genes, aiding in the development of countermeasures.

3. Microbial Ecology and Evolution: By studying genomic variations, researchers can understand how bacteria adapt to different environments. This is particularly relevant for extremophiles and symbiotic bacteria.

4. Vaccine Development: Identifying conserved antigens across pathogenic strains is critical for vaccine design. Comparative genomics has been instrumental in developing vaccines against pathogens like Neisseria meningitidis.

5. Biotechnology Applications: Comparative studies can uncover unique metabolic pathways in bacteria, paving the way for applications in bioremediation, synthetic biology, and industrial microbiology.

Challenges in Bacterial Comparative Genomics

While the field has made significant strides, several challenges remain:

• Data Overload: The rapid growth of sequencing data requires robust computational infrastructure and efficient algorithms.

• Genome Plasticity: High rates of horizontal gene transfer and genome rearrangements in bacteria complicate comparative analyses.

• Annotation Accuracy: Automated annotation tools are not infallible, and manual curation is often needed for high-confidence results.

• Interpreting Non-Coding Regions: Understanding the functional significance of non-coding genomic regions remains a challenge.

Future Directions

The integration of bacterial comparative genomics with other ‘omics’ approaches—such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—promises a more comprehensive understanding of bacterial biology. Additionally, advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence are likely to further enhance bioinformatics analyses, enabling the prediction of complex phenotypes from genomic data.

Conclusion

Bacterial comparative genomics, driven by bioinformatics, continues to unravel the complexities of bacterial life. From combating antibiotic resistance to uncovering the secrets of microbial evolution, this interdisciplinary field holds immense potential for addressing pressing challenges in microbiology and beyond. As technology advances, so too will our ability to harness the power of comparative genomics for scientific and societal benefit.

National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS) (nbis.se) plays an important role in advancing life science research in Sweden by providing expert support and developing cutting-edge bioinformatics infrastructure. Operating as a truly national initiative, NBIS employs more than 120 bioinformaticians, system developers, and data stewards across multiple locations in Sweden. It serves as the bioinformatics platform at SciLifeLab, a national resource that facilitates research in molecular biosciences by offering access to state-of-the-art technologies and technical expertise. With strong ties to data-producing facilities and ongoing collaborations with leading research groups, NBIS is ideally positioned to support world-class bioinformatics analyses. Furthermore, NBIS is the Swedish node in ELIXIR, the European infrastructure for biological information.

NBIS is seeking an experienced bioinformatician to support both Swedish and international projects. As part of our dynamic team, you will work closely with researchers to process large-scale biological data and contribute to advancing our data analysis infrastructure. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot complex bioinformatics pipelines are essential for success in this role. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are also important, as NBIS continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of the Swedish research community.

More at https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=778701

Why Remote Session Management is a Must-Have

In bioinformatics, tasks like genome assembly, RNA-seq analyses, and phylogenetic computations often take hours or days. A dropped SSH connection can result in:

• Lost Progress: Restarting a job from scratch wastes valuable time.
• Workflow Interruptions: Disruptions can derail your focus and productivity.
• Corrupted Data: Interrupted processes may lead to incomplete or corrupted outputs.

By integrating screen, tmux, or mosh into your workflow, you can avoid these setbacks and ensure a seamless experience.

Screen: The Classic Workhorse

Screen is a terminal multiplexer that comes pre-installed on most Linux systems. It allows you to manage multiple terminal sessions and reconnect to them even after being disconnected.

Getting Started with Screen:

1. Start a Session:
   screen
2. Detach from a Session:
   Press Ctrl+A, then D.
3. Reattach to a Session:
   screen -r

Pro Tip: Enhance your screen experience with a customized .screenrc configuration file. Download one here: Get .screenrc.

Tmux: A Modern Alternative

Tmux takes everything great about screen and adds modern features, including better key bindings and intuitive session management. It\u2019s perfect for bioinformaticians who want more control over their workflow.

Getting Started with Tmux:

1. Start a Session:
   tmux
2. Detach from a Session:
   Press Ctrl+B, then D.
3. Reattach to a Session:
   tmux attach

Customize Your Tmux Experience:
Use a .tmux.conf file to personalize your setup. Grab one here: Download .tmux.conf.

Mosh: The Mobile Shell for Unreliable Connections

SSH works well for stable networks, but it struggles in areas with spotty connectivity. Enter Mosh, the Mobile Shell. Designed for intermittent networks, Mosh keeps your session alive even when the connection drops temporarily.

Why Mosh is a Game-Changer:

• No lag over high-latency networks.
• Automatically reconnects when the network is restored.
• Ideal for working on the go, from cafes to trains.

Getting Started with Mosh:

1. Install Mosh:
   sudo apt install mosh # For Debian/Ubuntu
2. Connect to a Server:
   mosh username@server

Learn more at mosh.org.

Why This Matters for Bioinformatics

Every bioinformatician knows the value of time and data integrity. Tools like screen, tmux, and mosh provide a lifeline when running long analyses, enabling you to:

• Safeguard your work against disconnections.
• Easily manage multiple workflows in parallel.
• Stay productive, even in challenging environments.

Quickstart Cheat Sheet

• Screen:

  screen # Start a session Ctrl+A, D # Detach screen -r # Reattach

• Tmux:

  tmux # Start a session Ctrl+B, D # Detach tmux attach # Reattach

• Mosh:

  mosh username@server

Final Thoughts

As a bioinformatician, your time is too valuable to spend restarting analyses due to technical hiccups. With screen, tmux, and mosh in your toolkit, you can work smarter, protect your progress, and stay productive no matter where you are. Start using these tools today and transform the way you work with remote systems.

Let me know how these tools work for you, and don\u2019t forget to follow for more bioinformatics tips!

Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field at the intersection of biology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics. As data volumes increase, as well as the diversity of data types (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging, single‑cell data, etc.), the need for robust computational methods, rigorous models, and reproducible tools has never been greater.

A key decision for researchers is: Where should I publish my work? The choice of journal impacts visibility, peer recognition, and long‑term influence of your research. Below I provide a guide to leading journals in bioinformatics, criteria for selecting the journal that best fits your work, and why these considerations matter.

Leading Journals in Bioinformatics

Criteria to Use When Choosing a Journal

• Scope & Audience
• Impact & Visibility
• Review Time & Speed
• Open Access
• Cost / APCs
• Reputation vs Practical Fit
• Reproducibility, Data & Code Sharing Policies
• Indexing & Reach
• Quality of the field
• Accelerating discovery
• Fair access
• Credibility & trust
• Read recent papers in the journal
• Tailor the manuscript
• Check the author guidelines
• Have backup journals ready
• More emphasis on machine learning / AI
• Single‑cell, spatial omics, multimodal data
• Cloud workflows, reproducible pipelines
• Preprints / open peer review
• Alternative metrics (software use, downloads, community adoption)

Selecting where to publish in bioinformatics isn’t just about prestige; it’s about reaching the right audience, ensuring your work is usable, and contributing to the field responsibly.

Reference: http://www.unitedformedicalresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/The-Impact-of-Genomics-on-the-US-Economy.pdf

Main mission:

Develop and implement strategies for whole-genome sequencing of non-model
species
Generate high-quality de novo genome assemblies using short- and long-read
sequencing technologies
Perform genome annotation and structural/functional characterization
Conduct comparative genomic analyses across related species or populations
Design and implement genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify
loci associated with phenotypic or adaptive traits
Integrate genomic, phenotypic, and environmental datasets
Contribute to the development of reproducible bioinformatics pipelines

Activités (Activities):

Lead the genomic component of the research project
High-molecular-weight DNA extraction optimization
Long-read genome assembly (PacBio HiFi / ONT)
Genome polishing and quality assessment (BUSCO, QUAST)
Structural and functional annotation
Variant discovery (SNPs, indels, SVs)
Population genomic analyses (FST, demographic inference)
Mixed-model GWAS accounting for structure
Workflow development (Snakemake/Nextflow)
HPC-based pipeline implementation
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals
Present findings at international conferences
Collaborate with experimental and computational team members
Contribute to project development
Mentor graduate students when appropriate

More at https://evol.mcmaster.ca/brian/evoldir/PostDocs//MontpellierU.ComparativeGenomics

1. Learn and get updated

Some of the bad biological programmers only learn new technical or non-technical things when it’s absolutely necessary. The good biological programmers learn new technical skills proactively. But great biological programmers not only learn new technical skills on their own but also learn non-technical skills, and have an open mind to sources of knowledge that others may shut out.

In other concrete term, the bad biological programmer learn Perl's regular expression when they started a project on comparative genomics; the good biological programmer learned it a year before because it looked interesting; and the great biological programmer also read about the BioPerl packages, genomics, DNA string, genomic theories, or some similar course of study so that they could understand the results and explain it biologically.

2. Not a merely coder!!!

I often encountered with biological programmer who call themself a hard-core computer programmer and avoid biology. I can almost guarantee that if you are one of them then you are not doing research but merely writing "dry" codes.

According to my supervisor most of the computational biologist, don't know what they are doing biologically. Even they struggle to explain their own programs output and results. Therefore, It is highly advisable to learn basic of biology which can assist you to explain the result and understand your discovery. Always remember you are a researcher not a coder.

3. Be Social with biologist

The computational biologist spends most of the time in from of computers, writing codes. They always think their job is to produce working codes, not technical research perfections. But, they are completely wrong. You should not forget that apart from your computational skills you also need some biologist, other than your supervisor, to explain and make you understand the complex biological mechanism.

I highly recommend your to interact with biotech researchers and learn how do they explain their one graph (which they generally produce after one year of work) biologically. Remember, the origin of your research project is complex biological phenomenon, which is more complex than that of your limited programming rules.

4. Do not search, research for answers

Researching for answers means more than typing several keywords into a search engine or posting a question at Stack Overflow or the BioStars forums. I have entered problems into search engines that generate no results, and every question I posted on Stack Overflow or the BioStars forums never got anything resembling an answer, yet I solved the issues and moved on. I’m not a magician — I just know how to find answers or discover root causes.

Many problems are situational, and if you depend on search engines and forums, you can waste a lot of time going down a rabbit hole and possibly never getting a solution. Learn to perform root cause analysis, learn enough about the underlying system to look for other clues and solutions, and learn to take a long distance view of an issue before deep diving into it.

5. Love and defend your research

You cannot rise to the top in this research profession without loving your work. There are some very good “it’s just a job” biological programmers (I’ve been one at times), but if that is your outlook, you won’t be willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. This idea gets a lot of folks in a huff, because they feel it is a personal insult. “I’m a good programmer, but I have other priorities and can’t make work my life.” I understand completely; I have other priorities too. As much as I hate to say it, when I am passionate about my work, I am willing (though not eager) to abandon my other priorities to finish the job. It is not an insult to say that if you aren’t willing to pull out all the stops you can’t be the best, it is a fact.

You must be passionate about more than programming — you must also be excited about your research, the tools and technology you are using, and so on. I have seen very good and even great biological programmers operating at mediocre levels because something was not a good fit, such as they hated the project or were using a technology they disliked. Therefore, like your research project and get excited about your discoveries. You have not only to discover but also defend your finding with scientific words.

Thanks to all of you for reading.

http://elements.eaglegenomics.com/

MEME Suite software development; gene expression; mathematical modelling; gene regulation and transcription

Specialization:
Pattern recognition and modelling in computational biology

Link @ http://www.imb.uq.edu.au/tim-bailey