[ECOLOG-L] PhD position: Biodiversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels
PhD position: Biodiversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels The Atkinson (http://atkinsonlab.ua.edu/) and Lozier labs (http://lozierlab.ua.edu/) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama are seeking a PhD student with an interest in the biodiversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project (http://mussels.ua.edu/). We are looking to recruit highly motivated PhD students to examine the functional biodiversity of a diverse group of animals, the unionid mussels, in several streams in the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, the diversity hotspot for freshwater mussels and several other freshwater taxa. The student would focus on scaling of functional diversity in mussel communities and their freshwater environments, including biodiversity surveys, trait diversity analyses (ecological stoichiometry and other organismal traits), or population genetics. Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, possess prior experience working in streams, a desire to build strong quantitative skills, be SCUBA certified (or willing to get certified), and have an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. In addition, preference will be given to applicants with some prior experience in relevant skills such as identification of mussels or other stream invertebrates, water chemistry analyses, familiarity with R, using ArcGIS software, or laboratory genetics skills. The student will work closely with a postdoc and other PhD students in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at UA as well as with collaborators at the University of Mississippi. Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Carla Atkinson (clatkin...@ua.edu) or Jeff Lozier (jloz...@ua.edu) depending on research interest. Start date is negotiable, with the position available starting in Spring or Summer 2019. Review of materials will start immediately.
[ECOLOG-L] POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN AQUATIC ECOLOGY AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
The Atkinson Lab at the University of Alabama (http://atkinsonlab.ua.edu/) is recruiting a postdoctoral research fellow to work on a NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity funded postdoc position examining the linkages among phylogenetic, genetic, and functional diversity in southeastern USA streams. Up to 3 years of funding is available with a flexible start date, but ideally the start will be by June 2019. The position will involve the study of biodiversity within freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae) across multiple dimensions of biodiversity within streams in the Mobile and Tennessee River Basins. This project will address basic ecological principles related to niche vs neutral based models across levels of biodiversity in both freshwater mussels and their associated gut microbial community. This is a highly interdisciplinary project to understand ecological and evolutionary associations among the environment, genetic diversity, functional traits, and community assembly across both host (i.e. mussels) and microbiome phylogenies. In addition to being housed within the Atkinson lab, the selected applicant will work closely with Jeff Lozier at the University of Alabama and will collaborate with researchers at the University of Mississippi. More information about the project can be found at http://mussels.ua.edu/. The position is for a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate whose primary objective will be to oversee fieldwork and conducting functional trait analyses, but will also be involved in integrating phylogenetic, genetic, and functional trait data. Responsibilities will include leading fieldwork, setting up a field experiment, laboratory work, statistical analysis, and interfacing with a postdoc based at University of Mississippi. The ideal candidate should have experience conducting fieldwork in streams in difficult conditions, a background in basic ecological principles including ecological stoichiometry, familiar with conducting basic water chemistry analyses, excellent computational skills, SCUBA certified (or willingness to get certified), and the ability to effectively manage large data sets. Additional sought-after skill sets include familiarity with methods for high throughput genomic analyses and laboratory genetics skills. The applicant should be creative and independent, have excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills, an exemplary publication record in ecology or other related fields, and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. A general interest in freshwater mussel biology and related field experience would be advantageous, but applicants with diverse research backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Required qualifications: Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date. Applicants interested in the position should contact Carla Atkinson (clatkin...@ua.edu) and include their CV and letter of interest with potential start dates. Applicants must apply by submitting an application to the Biological Sciences Departmental postdoctoral pool at facultyjobs.ua.edu (requisition number 0811250 for Fall 2018 or search for Keyword “Biology” for most recent posting): https://facultyjobs.ua.edu/postings/search Materials uploaded to this website should include: 1. Cover letter mentioning the “Linking scales of biodiversity in freshwater mussels” position, a description of past research accomplishments and future research goals, and the names and contact information for 3 references (maximum of two pages). 2. Curriculum vitae Review of applications will begin October 5, 2018, applications submitted afterwards will be reviewed until the position is filled. The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD position - Comparative Population Genomics of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels
A PhD position in comparative population genomics of southeastern freshwater mussels is available in Jeff Lozier’s lab (http://lozierlab.ua.edu/) at the University of Alabama Department of Biological Sciences (https://bsc.ua.edu/) as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project. We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to examine comparative population genetics of freshwater mussel communities in streams of the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, which is a major biodiversity hotspot for mussels and several other freshwater taxa. The project will involve extensive high throughput sequencing of numerous populations and species (including whole genome and reduced representation sequencing), with the goal of understanding how population and species level processes relate to broader eco-evolutionary processes. More details relating to the study objectives can been found at the project website (http://mussels.ua.edu/). The student will be expected to develop specific research questions relating to population, conservation, and landscape genetics within the context of these broader project objectives. Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, and a desire to build strong quantitative and data management skills. Experience in laboratory and computational analysis of modern genetic data is preferred. The student will work closely with a postdoc and another PhD student being simultaneously recruited by Carla Atkinson’s lab (http://atkinsonlab.ua.edu/) at UA and with collaborators at the University of Mississippi, so an interest in working as part of a collaborative team is a must. Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Jeff Lozier (jloz...@ua.edu). Start date is negotiable for Spring, Summer, or Fall 2019 semesters. Review of materials will start immediately. Jeff Lozier Associate Professor Biological Sciences The University of Alabama Office 205-348-2754 jloz...@ua.edu | lozierlab.ua.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral Position at the University of Alabama: Aquatic Ecology: Linking scales of biodiversity in freshwater mussels
A NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity funded postdoc position examining the linkages among phylogenetic, genetic, and functional diversity is available in Dr. Carla Atkinson’s lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama (http://atkinsonlab.ua.edu/). The position will involve the study of biodiversity within freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae) across multiple dimensions of biodiversity within streams in the Mobile and Tennessee River Basins. This project will address basic ecological principles related to niche vs neutral based models across levels of biodiversity in both freshwater mussels and their associated gut microbial community. This is a highly interdisciplinary project to understand ecological and evolutionary associations among the environment, genetic diversity, functional traits, and community assembly across both host and microbiome phylogenies. In addition to being housed within the Atkinson lab, the selected applicant will work closely with Jeff Lozier at the University of Alabama and will collaborate with researchers at the University of Mississippi. More information about the project can be found at http://mussels.ua.edu/. The position is for a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate whose primary objective will be to oversee fieldwork and conducting functional trait analyses, but will also be involved in integrating phylogenetic, genetic, and functional trait data. Responsibilities will include leading fieldwork, setting up a field experiment, laboratory work, statistical analysis, and interfacing with a postdoc based at University of Mississippi. The ideal candidate should have experience conducting fieldwork in streams in difficult conditions, a background in basic ecological principles including ecological stoichiometry, familiar with conducting basic water chemistry analyses, excellent computational skills, SCUBA certified (or willingness to get certified), and the ability to effectively manage large data sets. Additional sought-after skill sets include familiarity with methods for high throughput genomic analyses and laboratory genetics skills. The applicant should be creative and independent, have excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills, an exemplary publication record in ecology or other related fields, and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. A general interest in freshwater mussel biology and related field experience would be advantageous, but applicants with diverse research backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date. Applicants interested in the position should contact Carla Atkinson (clatkin...@ua.edu). Applicants must apply by submitting an application to the Biological Sciences Departmental postdoctoral pool at facultyjobs.ua.edu (requisition number 0811250 for Fall 2018 or search for Keyword “Biology” for most recent posting): https://facultyjobs.ua.edu/postings/search Materials should include: 1. Cover letter mentioning the “Linking scales of biodiversity in freshwater mussels” position, a description of past research accomplishments and future research goals, and the names and contact information for 3 references (maximum of two pages). 2. Curriculum vitae About the University of Alabama: The University of Alabama is the flagship campus of the University System of Alabama, with an enrollment of over 35,000 students. The University is committed to achieving excellence as one of the country's primary centers of research and education. It is located in the vibrant college town of Tuscaloosa, AL, which boasts many cultural and athletic activities. The campus also benefits from the close proximity to the Birmingham metropolitan community. The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD position - Functional Trait Diversity/Aquatic Ecology
A PhD Position in Functional Trait Diversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels is available in Carla Atkinson’s lab (http://atkinsonlab.ua.edu/) at the University of Alabama as part of a recently funded NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project (http://mussels.ua.edu/). We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student to examine the functional traits of a diverse group of animals, the unionid mussels, in several streams in the Mobile and Tennessee River basins, the diversity hotspot for freshwater mussels and several other freshwater taxa. The project will involve using ecological stoichiometry and other organismal traits to examine trait diversity within and across communities in the focal watersheds with the goal of understanding how functional diversity patterns relate to overall habitat diversity and population-level and species-level diversity. The student is also anticipated to formulate their own research questions related to the project that could span topics such as trophic ecology, distribution modeling, nutrient uptake and transformations, and ecosystem metabolism within this broader project objective. Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, possess prior experience working in streams, a desire to build strong quantitative skills, SCUBA certified (or willingness to get certified), and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. In addition, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience conducting water chemistry analyses, familiarity with R, using ArcGIS software, and with a demonstrated publication record. The student will work closely with a postdoc in Atkinson’s lab and another PhD student being recruited by Jeff Lozier’s lab (http://lozierlab.ua.edu/) in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at UA and with collaborators at the University of Mississippi, so an interest in working as part of a collaborative team is a must. Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, (4) a writing example, and (5) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Carla Atkinson (clatkin...@ua.edu). Start date is negotiable for Spring or Summer 2019 semesters. Review of materials will start immediately. Carla Atkinson Assistant Professor Biological Sciences The University of Alabama Office 205-348-6805 clatkin...@ua.edu | atkinsonlab.ua.edu
[ECOLOG-L] 3 Tenure-Track positions at the University of Alabama
Please find attached an announcement for three assistant professorships in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), including the official job advertisements for each position. We are seeking highly qualified candidates for positions in Plant Systematics, Disease Ecology, and Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Cheers, Carla Atkinson Assistant Professor Dept. of Biological Sciences University of Alabama
[ECOLOG-L] 3 Tenure-Track positions at the University of Alabama
Assistant Professor Positions in Plant Systematics, Disease Ecology, and Cellular & Molecular Immunology The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for three full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor in Plant Systematics, Disease Ecology and Cellular & Molecular Immunology to begin August 2016. For the Plant Systematics position, all taxonomic groups of vascular plants will be considered. Applicants whose research integrates field and museum-based studies with modern genomic approaches to address fundamental questions in taxonomy, systematics, biogeography, and evolution of vascular plants are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant is expected to curate The University of Alabama Herbarium (UNA) maintained by the Department of Biological Sciences and must provide evidence of curatorial experience and/or other relevant abilities. The Herbarium at the University of Alabama contains significant holdings of vascular plants from the USA and the neotropics, and particularly from SE USA freshwater habitats. Individuals interested in diversifying this actively growing collection are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate also would serve as the Department’s liaison with the University of Alabama Arboretum. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in plant systematics, dendrology or field botany, and one or more graduate courses in the successful candidate’s area of expertise. For the Disease Ecology position, successful candidates should have a strong background in research examining hostparasite or host-pathogen interactions at the population and/or community level. Applicants should employ integrative approaches to characterize the dynamics of disease transmission, parasite/pathogen manipulation of host behavior and physiology, links between social context and disease susceptibility, phenotypic evolution driven by host-parasite/pathogen interactions, or related areas. Candidates that utilize either field-based approaches or laboratory-based investigations are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include introductory biology, undergraduate courses in disease ecology or parasitology, and graduate courses in the successful candidate’s area of expertise. For the Cellular & Molecular Immunology position we seek applicants with research interests in all areas of innate and/or adaptive immunology, including but not limited to comparative immunology, inflammation biology, and computational immunology. Candidates using model or non- model organisms, including invertebrates and plants, are encouraged to apply. Teaching responsibilities will include an undergraduate course in immunology and one or more graduate courses in the successful candidate’s area of expertise. Candidates for all positions must have a Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences or a related field and postdoctoral (or equivalent job) experience. Evidence of significant intellectual contributions to their respective fields and a demonstrated commitment to teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels are also required. The successful applicants will also be expected to establish extramurally funded and relevant research programs. A complete application includes (1) an application letter; (2) CV; (3) statement of research interests and goals; (4) statement of teaching interests and philosophy; and (5) a list of at least four references (including contact information). Letters of reference will be requested by the search committee as appropriate. To apply, go to https://facultyjobs.ua.edu, complete the online application (Job # 0809743 for Plant Systematics position; Job # 0809744 for the Disease Ecology position; or Job # 0809740 for the Cellular & Molecular Immunology position), and upload all requested documents. Questions about the Plant Systematics position may be addressed to Dr. Juan Lopez-Bautista (jlo...@ua.edu; 205-348-1791). Questions about the Disease Ecology position may be addressed to Dr. Ryan Earley (rlear...@ua.edu; 205-348-1827). Questions about the Cellular & Molecular Immunology position may be addressed to Dr. Matthew Jenny (mjje...@ua.edu; 205-348-8225). Consideration of applications will begin October 28, 2015 and will continue until the positions are filled. Prior to hiring, the final candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background investigation. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2016. Additional information about the Department of Biological Sciences and this available position can be found on our website at http://bsc.ua.edu. Applications from women and members of traditionally under-represented groups in Biology are especially encouraged. The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
