We are looking for a number of motivated people to participate in the Dimensions of Biodiversity project, including undergraduate assistants, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers.
Postdoctoral Positions
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 ([email protected]).
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
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 ([email protected]).
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
Postdoctoral Position at the University of Mississippi
The Jackson lab (www.colinrjackson.com) and Garrick lab (www.rcgarrick.org) in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi seek applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This is a 2-3 year position, renewable annually, funded by a collaborative NSF Dimensions in Biodiversity grant. The project is focused on understanding geographic scaling of diversity and interactions between microbiomes and their mussel hosts, mussel communities, and the freshwater environments in which they perform critical ecosystem services.
The Postdoc will focus on generating and interpreting DNA sequence data that can be used to characterize microbiomes, and contribute to phylogenetic analysis of large data sets. Other duties will include leading authorship of publications, presenting research at conferences, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers in the PIs' labs.
Minimum qualifications are a PhD in Biology or related field, and strong publication record relative to opportunity. Preferred qualifications include experience in microbiome analysis, familiarity with microbial ecology and phylogenetics, strong interests in host-microbe interactions and connecting field-based research with genetic analyses, and a willingness to contribute to biodiversity-related public outreach.
Applicants should contact Dr. Colin Jackson via email ([email protected]) to express interest in the position and for further information.
The start date is anticipated to be late Spring / early summer 2019, but is flexible.
The Jackson lab (www.colinrjackson.com) and Garrick lab (www.rcgarrick.org) in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi seek applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This is a 2-3 year position, renewable annually, funded by a collaborative NSF Dimensions in Biodiversity grant. The project is focused on understanding geographic scaling of diversity and interactions between microbiomes and their mussel hosts, mussel communities, and the freshwater environments in which they perform critical ecosystem services.
The Postdoc will focus on generating and interpreting DNA sequence data that can be used to characterize microbiomes, and contribute to phylogenetic analysis of large data sets. Other duties will include leading authorship of publications, presenting research at conferences, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers in the PIs' labs.
Minimum qualifications are a PhD in Biology or related field, and strong publication record relative to opportunity. Preferred qualifications include experience in microbiome analysis, familiarity with microbial ecology and phylogenetics, strong interests in host-microbe interactions and connecting field-based research with genetic analyses, and a willingness to contribute to biodiversity-related public outreach.
Applicants should contact Dr. Colin Jackson via email ([email protected]) to express interest in the position and for further information.
The start date is anticipated to be late Spring / early summer 2019, but is flexible.
PhD Student Opportunities
Two PhD Student Positions at the University of Alabama
1) Functional Trait Diversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels
The Atkinson lab is 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 Mobile and Tennessee Rivers are 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. 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, ecosystem metabolism, etc.
Qualifications:
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.
Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and (4) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Dr. Carla Atkinson ([email protected]). Start date is negotiable with the successful applicant starting in Spring 2019 or starting with the research team in summer 2019.
2) Comparative Population Genomics of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels
The Lozier lab is 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 as part of an NSF-funded Dimensions of Biodiversity project. 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 ecological processes in a freshwater biodiversity hotspot. The student will be expected to develop specific research questions relating to population, conservation, and landscape genetics within this broader project objective.
Qualifications:
The ideal applicant will have a general interest in the field of molecular ecology and evolution, including conducting field work, laboratory genetics work, and computational and statistical analyses of genomic data. Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, a desire to develop strong quantitative skills in statistical and bioinformatics analyses, and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. Previous experience with genome-scale data and/or programming is a plus.
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 ([email protected]). Start date is negotiable, with the position available starting in Spring 2019.
Contact Carla Atkinson ([email protected]) or Jeff Lozier ([email protected]) with any questions or more project information.
1) Functional Trait Diversity of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels
The Atkinson lab is 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 Mobile and Tennessee Rivers are 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. 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, ecosystem metabolism, etc.
Qualifications:
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.
Interested applicants should send a (1) cover letter describing research experience and goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and (4) contact information of 2-3 individuals familiar with research/academic performance to Dr. Carla Atkinson ([email protected]). Start date is negotiable with the successful applicant starting in Spring 2019 or starting with the research team in summer 2019.
2) Comparative Population Genomics of Southeastern Freshwater Mussels
The Lozier lab is 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 as part of an NSF-funded Dimensions of Biodiversity project. 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 ecological processes in a freshwater biodiversity hotspot. The student will be expected to develop specific research questions relating to population, conservation, and landscape genetics within this broader project objective.
Qualifications:
The ideal applicant will have a general interest in the field of molecular ecology and evolution, including conducting field work, laboratory genetics work, and computational and statistical analyses of genomic data. Applicants must have a strong academic record (GPA > 3.0), strong written and verbal communication skills, a desire to develop strong quantitative skills in statistical and bioinformatics analyses, and an interest in working as part of a large collaborative team. Previous experience with genome-scale data and/or programming is a plus.
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 ([email protected]). Start date is negotiable, with the position available starting in Spring 2019.
Contact Carla Atkinson ([email protected]) or Jeff Lozier ([email protected]) with any questions or more project information.
PhD Student Positions at the University of Mississippi
The Jackson lab (www.colinrjackson.com) and Garrick lab (www.rcgarrick.org) in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi are seeking graduate students with interests either in microbial ecology and/or molecular phylogenetics to work on a project funded by a collaborative NSF Dimensions in Biodiversity grant.
The broader goals of the project are to understand geographic scaling of diversity and interactions between microbiomes and their mussel hosts, mussel communities, and the freshwater environments in which they perform critical ecosystem services. Discrete sub-components that could include the following:
- Microbiome: patterns in mussel gut microbiomes by species and biogeography; influence of host genetics in determining mussel microbiome composition; and role of the mussel gut microbiome in host/holobiont function.
- Phylogenetics: development and application of Ultraconserved Element (or similar genomic approaches) to estimate phylogenetic relationships among mussel taxa; species delimitation; molecular dating; phylogenetic analyses of community assembly; and r reconstruction of trait evolution.
Interested students are encouraged to directly contact either Colin Jackson (microbiome, email: [email protected]) or Ryan Garrick (phylogenetics, email: [email protected]) to discuss potential research projects and support. The graduate school application deadline for Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi is 1st February 2019. Information about how to apply is available at www.biology.olemiss.edu/programs/graduate/application-procedure.
The Jackson lab (www.colinrjackson.com) and Garrick lab (www.rcgarrick.org) in the Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi are seeking graduate students with interests either in microbial ecology and/or molecular phylogenetics to work on a project funded by a collaborative NSF Dimensions in Biodiversity grant.
The broader goals of the project are to understand geographic scaling of diversity and interactions between microbiomes and their mussel hosts, mussel communities, and the freshwater environments in which they perform critical ecosystem services. Discrete sub-components that could include the following:
- Microbiome: patterns in mussel gut microbiomes by species and biogeography; influence of host genetics in determining mussel microbiome composition; and role of the mussel gut microbiome in host/holobiont function.
- Phylogenetics: development and application of Ultraconserved Element (or similar genomic approaches) to estimate phylogenetic relationships among mussel taxa; species delimitation; molecular dating; phylogenetic analyses of community assembly; and r reconstruction of trait evolution.
Interested students are encouraged to directly contact either Colin Jackson (microbiome, email: [email protected]) or Ryan Garrick (phylogenetics, email: [email protected]) to discuss potential research projects and support. The graduate school application deadline for Department of Biology at the University of Mississippi is 1st February 2019. Information about how to apply is available at www.biology.olemiss.edu/programs/graduate/application-procedure.
Undergraduate research opportunities
We will be looking for motivated undergraduate students at both the University of Alabama and the University of Mississippi to help with field and laboratory work.
