PhD Position at the University of New Hampshire – Ecological Genomics As part of a new, collaborative NSF-funded research and training program in the genomic ecology of coastal organisms, the University of New Hampshire is seeking a PhD student who will study genome-phenome relationships in a tidal marsh bird system. The student will conduct both field work and genomic analyses towards understanding adaptation and fitness associations in tidal marsh sparrows. Research focus will include the study of variation in sparrow diets using meta-barcoding of fecal samples and the linkages with fitness, eco-evolutionary feedbacks and trophic impacts on the marsh. Additional questions about genome-phenome-environment relationships can be pursued, according to the student’s interests. Field work during summer months may involve supervising field crews in tidal marshes in the northeastern US, from Maine to New Jersey. The student will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with a diverse team of investigators, graduate students, and undergraduate students at the University of New Hampshire and the University of Maine working together on this large project, including Drs. Serita Frey (UNH) and Mike Kinnison (UMaine) for the metabarcoding diet studies.
The PhD student will be enrolled in the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science (NRESS) program (https://www.unh.edu/nressphd) at the University of New Hampshire and will be advised by Dr. Adrienne Kovach (www.kovachlab.com). Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a strong background in ecology and/or genomics. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated experience with field work, in particular, bird mist-netting (previous time as a federal banding sub-permittee strongly preferred), as well as experience in genetics, genomics, and/or bioinformatics. Consistent with our program scope and to advance an integrated understanding of adaptation in nature, we are especially interested in candidates who show promise to work in an inclusive and diverse collaborative environment and to engage intellectually across the diverse scales of genomes, phenomes, and environmental feedbacks. Individuals who are intellectually curious, responsible, willing to learn, team-oriented, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. An M.S. in a related field is preferred, but qualified candidates with extensive experience will be considered. How to apply: Please send a cover letter describing your qualifications, including your commitment to diversity and inclusion in collaborative science, a curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, and the contact information for at least three references to Adrienne Kovach at adrienne.kov...@unh.edu and indicate the position for which you would like to be considered. Please use “Ecological Genomics PhD Student Search” as the subject line of your email. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A start date on or before April 1, 2019 is strongly preferred, but may be negotiable. The University of New Hampshire and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment are home to a vibrant community of productive researchers with a strong commitment to student success (see http://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/03/excellence-ecology for recent accolades). Located in the town of Durham, UNH is a beautiful campus surrounded by forest and natural landscapes. Only 30 minutes from the sea and less than 2 hours from the White Mountains, outdoor and other recreational activities abound, including right on campus. The University of New Hampshire is a public institution with a long-standing commitment to equal opportunity for all. It is an EEO/AA employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran's status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, or activities. Please contact the Affirmative Action and Equity Office, Thompson Hall 305, 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824-3547 at 603-862-2930 (voice), TTY: (603) 862-1527 • Relay NH: 7-1-1, or affirmaction.equ...@unh.edu with questions or concerns.
