We’re hiring a postdoc to work on the lab’s new NIH R35 MIRA grant on the genetics and evolution of parasite resistance. Link and ad below:
The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia invites applicants for a post-doctoral research associate position to work in thew lab or Professor Amanda Gibson.
The Gibson lab (coevolving.org) at the University of Virginia studies the evolutionary ecology and genetics of host-parasite interactions with the goal of understanding how organisms adapt to rampant uncertainty – uncertainty in the species and strain of parasite a host might encounter and uncertainty in the environment in which that encounter will unfold. We are starting a five-year NIH-funded project to determine how genetic and environmental contexts changes the selective advantage of resistance alleles. This research will make use of the fabulous experimental tools and resources available for the model nematode C. elegans and its natural parasites. These tools include experimental evolution with cryogenic preservation, high-throughput phenotyping, a variety of transgenic methods, and wild isolates with whole genome sequences. Researchers on the project will have ample opportunity for creative experimental design, independence, and training in a variety of skills and areas of scholarship. In joining the lab, new members sign on to our commitment to promoting an inclusive and safe environment, supporting all the members of our team in realizing their full potential, and actively valuing the creativity and productivity that comes from the meeting of diverse minds.
The lab is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to this work. The proposed research integrates techniques and concepts associated with the fields of host-parasite coevolution and evolutionary genetics, and eligible candidates will have demonstrated strengths in one of these areas or in closely allied fields. The postdoc will be involved in designing and implementing experimental evolution studies, quantitative trait mapping and high-throughput phenotyping (using e.g. qPCR, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and other automated phenotyping schemes), mentoring of undergraduate trainees, data analysis, and writing of manuscripts. The postdoc will receive mentorship from the PI and support to pursue independent research projects.
QUALIFCATION REQUIRMENTS: An ideal candidate would have:
- A PhD in Biology or a related field
- Excellent written and oral communication, demonstrated by a strong publication record, consistent with the candidate’s career stage, and presentations at conferences
- Demonstrated ambition, creativity, independence, and ability to work well with others
- A strong background in experimental design, data analysis, and data management
- Experience with analysis and interpretation of genomic data and design of mapping studies
- Interest and confidence in developing new techniques, notably molecular genetic tools, for hypothesis testing
- Experience in mentoring undergraduate students and a dedication to promoting underrepresented groups in STEM
- An enthusiasm for nematodes
The Biology Department at UVA (http://bio.as.virginia.edu/) is an excellent training environment for curious, highly motivated scientists. The successful applicant can expect to interact frequently with the department’s strong, collegial group of evolutionary ecologists and geneticists (https://www.eebvirginia.org/). There may be opportunities for research, training, and outreach at Mountain Lake Biological Station (https://mlbs.virginia.edu/), in southwestern Virginia.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, 2-3 writing samples (preferably first-author publications, published or in prep), and contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters. In the cover letter, please address your fit with the qualifications above and your experience in mentoring undergraduates. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on August XX, 2020, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
This is a one-year appointment; however, appointment may be renewed for an additional two, one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.
Interested applicants are invited to email Amanda Gibson, Assistant Professor, at akg5nq@virginia.edu to discuss the position.
For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
