A NSF-funded postdoctoral research position in the field of landscape genomics is available in Jeff Loziers lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama (http://bama.ua.edu/~jlozier).
The available position will involve the study of evolutionary and functional genetics of local adaptation in North American bumble bees. In addition to interacting with the Lozier lab, the selected applicant will work closely with Michael Dillon (University of Wyoming; http://www.uwyo.edu/mdillon/) and James Strange (USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit and Utah State, Logan, UT; http://goo.gl/uJFqxS) on an interdisciplinary effort to understand the consequences of abiotic heterogeneity on morphological, physiological, and genomic variation across complex mountain landscapes of CA, OR, and WA. The open position is for a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate whose primary objective will be to oversee next generation population genomic and transcriptomic analyses of field-collected and experimental samples. Responsibilities will include participating in fieldwork, laboratory work, and will be especially focused on computational and statistical analysis of genomic and RNAseq data. The ideal candidate should have experience with next generation sequencing, ideally with emerging methods for population- level genomic (e.g., RADseq, Pool-seq) or RNAseq analysis, and possess laboratory genetics skills, excellent computational skills (e.g., familiarity with GIS, UNIX, R, or other programming languages, as well as open-source genetics software), and the ability to effectively manage large data sets. The applicant should be creative and independent, have excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills, and a publication record in evolutionary biology, population genetics, molecular ecology or other related fields. A general interest in pollinator 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. Funding is available for at least two years, potentially longer, with annual renewal dependent on performance evaluation, and will include a competitive salary and full benefits. The University of Alabama offers a range of professional development opportunities. Application review will begin in late February, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable, but the successful applicant should ideally be able to begin working in the position by summer (May 1-Sept 1) 2015. Applicants interested in the position are encouraged to contact Jeff Lozier (jloz...@ua.edu) when applying. Applicants must officially apply by submitting an application to the Spring 2015 Biological Sciences Departmental postdoctoral pool at facultyjobs.ua.edu (requisition number 0809316): https://facultyjobs.ua.edu/postings/36373. Materials should include: 1. Cover letter mentioning the Pollinator Landscape Genomics 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.
