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OPPORTUNITIES
FOR POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS:
Two Postdoc positions in
Plant Evolution & Ecology at the University of Pittsburgh
Seeking two Postdoctoral fellows
to join a collaborative project examining functional, population
genetic and ecological mechanisms underlying success of polyploid
plants.
The
work aims to predict the effect of whole genome duplication on
ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental change.
The postdocs will identify the ecological, population genetic
and genomic factors that underlie functional trait (e.g., phenotypic
plasticity in reponse to climate, tolerance of drought and freeze)
variation, ecological amplitude and gene expression diversity using the
wild strawberry (Fragaria)
as a model system (see Liston et al 2014. AJB101:1686-1699; Johnson et
al 2014 Bot
J Linn Soc 173:99-114). The specific goals are to 1) characterize
functional responses to climate and how they vary with natural
variation in ploidy, with experimental hybridization and whole genome
duplication, 2) analyze gene expression (transcriptomes) and
physiological traits of natural and synthetic polyploids and their
diploid progenitors in the greenhouse and common gardens at
climatically diverse sites, 3) use NGS of target-captured sequence from
natural populations of plants to identify patterns of genetic diversity
and signatures of selection, reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and
generate high density linkage maps (Tennesson et al 2014 GBE
6:3295-3313).
Postdoc candidates are sought
with expertise
in one of two areas (with ample opportunities for cross
training between them):
1) Population genetic,
comparative genomics, transcriptome analysis to address ecological or
evolutionary questions
2) Population, physiological or
functional plant ecology
Candidates interested in a
combination of field work and genomic work are especially encouraged to
apply.
Responsibilities
will include the establishment and monitoring of experiments in the
field and under controlled conditions in the lab, collection and
analysis of population genetic/genomic, phenotypic and physiological
data, and the preparation of manuscripts for publication.
Ability to travel between field sites in Oregon and
laboratory in Pennsylvania is required.
In
addition to cross training, the project affords opportunities for
international travel and training as part of an US-China international
research collaboration, and to design and implement additional allied
projects tailored to the skills and interests of the postdoc.
The
postdoc position is for two years, renewable for additional years.
Start date is negotiable, but June 2015 is preferred.
The
project is collaboration among the labs of Dr. Tia-Lynn Ashman,
Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, and
Dr. Aaron Liston, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, and Dr.
Richard Cronn Us Forest Service at Oregon State University.
TO APPLY:
Please
send a CV and a description of your experience and
interests relevant to the position to tia1@pitt.edu,
along with the names and contact informaion for three referees.
In a covering letter clearly highlight skills and experience
related to key responsibilities. Informal enquiries are also
welcome!
Application
materials will be reviewed as they are received, until positions are
filled.
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS:
Creative minds and
passionate biologists please apply!
Opportunities always exist for outstanding graduate students who want
to do cutting-edge research in a collaborative atmosphere. If your
interests fall under the larger umbrella of those currently
understudy
in the lab we are interested in hearing from you! Students interested
in merging ecological studies with
molecular and genomic work are
especially welcome. Please contact me prior to submitting a formal
application to the
department by sending your CV and a description of
your research interests by e-mail.
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR UNDERGRADUATE
RESEARCHERS:
I have a strong
tradition of mentoring undergraduate
researchers in my lab and several of these have led to published
research papers
coauthored by the students. Motivated and dedicated
undergraduates are encouraged to develop projects of their
own through
independent study programs (FER, BS1901, BS1903) or fellowship
opportunities (e.g.
HHMI,
Brackenridge, or REU; Pitt Undergrad Research Funding ).
For those seeking experience but not quite ready for a project of
their
own, we often have research assistantship positions where students
assist on larger lab projects. Please contact me
by e-mail and send
your CV, schedule, and a description of the type of opportunity you
seek and why.
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