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.
