The Garnas lab (http://mypages.unh.edu/garnaslab) is currently seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist or PhD student (with relevant Masters or Masters-level experience) to study 1) patterns and consequences of microbial diversity in the beech bark disease (BBD) pathogen complex and associated bark communities; and 2) impacts of divergent life histories among the dominant BBD associates on pathogen gene flow and population structure across the range of the disease. Within this framework, the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their own ideas to advance basic understanding of fungal evolution in the context of a complex, multi-organism decline disease.
Brief background Beech bark disease (BBD) is a widespread decline disease arising from complex interactions among a non-native scale insect and at least two putatively native pathogens that differ in key aspects of their biology and ecology. Recent work also suggests that associated microbes may play a role in disease development and/or attenuation. In addition to being highly relevant ecologically (e.g., to wildlife and to forest stand development), the BBD system represents fertile ground for scientific inquiry, with many key questions that are currently unexplored. Details of the position and skills sought The ideal candidate will have both experience and a proven publication record that demonstrates a keen interest and background in population genetics, microbiome sequencing and bioinformatics as well as facility with the core concepts of eco-evolutionary dynamics. The research is primarily lab and bioinformatics-based using comprehensive collections across the range of the disease. Fungal isolation and culture curation will also be required. Experience working with fungi is preferred but not required. Start date negotiable but must ideally be no later than October 1, with an earlier start date preferred. Postdoc salary is $48,000 plus benefits is for one year with reappointment subject to satisfactory performance. Standard stipend (including Summer salary) plus tuition waiver will be provided for PhD candidates. Interested applicants should send the following as a single pdf file to jeff.gar...@unh.edu: – CV – Statement of purpose that summarizes research goals/interests/trajectory and relevant experience – 2-5 relevant publications, with an annotated list of the applicant’s role/contribution for each (fewer publications would be expected in the case of PhD applicants) – Contact information for three references - GRE scores (applicants for PhD position only) Application review will begin immediately; the position is open until filled. See: https://mypages.unh.edu/garnaslab/postdoc2018 for updates/details.
