Genomic basis of species diversity and ecosystem functioning

We seek a postdoctoral scholar to collaborate on a project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation to study the evolutionary basis of species diversity and ecosystem functioning in freshwater green algae.  The successful candidate will take intellectual lead on the genomics portion of laboratory and field experiments that will (1) determine how much genetic differentiation is required for species to stably coexist, and (2) determine how mechanisms that allow for coexistence also impact community-level processes such as primary production.  The candidate will also pursue his or her own research interests within the broader context of the grant proposal.

The candidate will work in Dr. Charles Delwiche's lab at the University of Maryland – College Park, and will collaborate with researchers in the labs of Drs. Bradley Cardinale (an ecologist at the University of Michigan) and Todd Oakley (a phylogeneticist at UC-Santa Barbara).

The position requires a Ph.D. in the biological sciences, bioinformatics, or a related field.  Experience with high-throughput sequencing, sequence analysis, algal/plant biodiversity, or RNA biology are desirable.

This is a three-year position, with the initial appointment being for one year and renewals contingent on successful progress in research. The starting salary will be $ 42,000 with full benefits.

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, a suburb of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, and provides a vibrant cultural and academic environment with easy access to a vast array of Federal research facilities.

The position is available immediately. To apply formally, send a curriculum vitae, the names of 3 references, and a brief statement of how your research goals fit with research on algal biodiversity, systematics, and evolutionary biology to: aaalgeee@gmail.com