Lab Technician in Plant Ecological Genomics, University of Vermont The Keller Lab is looking to fill a technician position in ecological genomics in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Vermont. The focus of the labs research is on using high- throughout genotype and phenotype data to understand the evolutionary impacts of changing environmental conditions on natural populations. Our research investigates the genetic architecture of local adaptation, genotype-phenotype mapping, ecological divergence in patterns of gene expression, and genetic signatures of demographic history such as effective population size, structure, and landscape connectivity. Our main study systems are forest trees and invasive plants.
Duties and responsibilities: The technician must be comfortable in both the lab and in the field. Lab work will focus primarily on generating population genomic data for evolutionary analysis (e.g., high- throughput genotyping and sequencing). The position will also include field work involving trait measurements and maintenance of common garden experiments, as well as travel for specimen collecting from natural populations. Additional responsibilities may include growth and maintenance of plants in the greenhouse or growth chambers, ordering of lab supplies, maintaining lab equipment, ensuring lab safety standards, contributing to manuscript preparation, and assisting undergraduate students. Qualifications: A B.S. or B.A. in biology is required by the time of appointment. Candidates should have strong organizational skills, and be proficient in standard molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, electrophoresis, primer design, PCR, qRT-PCR, DNA sequencing, genotyping, restriction digests, etc. Desirable experience includes making next-generation sequencing libraries (GBS or RAD-Seq, RNA-Seq, WGS), and the ability to conduct occasional field work under diverse outdoor conditions, including in mountainous, forested terrain. Start date is flexible, and could begin as soon as a suitable applicant is found. The position is full time and comes with benefits. Funding is available for an initial period of two years, contingent on performance. Apply through the UVM jobs website: https://www.uvmjobs.com/postings/13488 Informal inquiries are welcome and should be directed to srkel...@uvm.edu Visit our websites for more information on the Keller Lab (http://www.uvm.edu/~srkeller) and the Department of Plant Biology at UVM (http://www.uvm.edu/~plantbio/index.php). UVM is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. -- Stephen Keller Assistant Professor Department of Plant Biology University of Vermont Burlington, VT 05405 802-656-5121
