********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Department of Biology at the University of Virginia is currently recruiting PhD students in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (EEB). Graduate training in EEB at UVA emphasizes research creativity, independence, and collaboration. We are looking for students who bring their own ideas to the conversation, and who are willing to explore and master new techniques to research those ideas. The size of our program provides exceptional opportunities for close interactions with faculty both in a student'¯s home laboratory and across the department. Many students conduct their research at the Mountain Lake Biological Station where they interact closely with scientists and students from all over the world. Check out more details about our graduate program, including program requirements and opportunities, at https://www.eebvirginia.org/ Research in the EEB group at UVA spans a wide range of techniques and organisms. We encourage prospective students to reach out to faculty who are currently accepting applications to discuss potential research projects and the application process. Faculty currently recruiting students include: Alan O. Bergland: Evolutionary ecology and ecological genetics of rapid adaptation in Drosophila and Daphnia. Butch Brodie: Evolution of social behavior, adaptation, and co-evolutionary dynamics in beetles, snakes, and newts. Bob Cox: Natural and sexual selection, evolutionary genetics, and evolutionary endocrinology in lizards. Laura Galloway: Mating system evolution and speciation in plants. Mandy Gibson: Host-parasite interactions and coevolution in nematodes. Jennifer G¨¹ler: Evolution of drug resistance in malaria. David Parichy: Evolution and development of pigmentation and other traits. Deborah Roach: Life history evolution and plant evolutionary ecology. Douglas Taylor: Population genetics, genomic conflict, and evolution in subdivided populations of plants. Martin Wu: Microbial ecology and the microbiome. Grad life at UVA: Charlottesville is a progressive college town that sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is consistently named on lists of best places to live in the USA. We have abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, a world-class music scene, and prominent local food, brewing, wine, and art culture. We are a short drive or train ride from Washington, DC and only 20 minutes from Shenandoah National Park. The Department of Biology has an active Graduate Student and Postdoc Association that promotes intellectual and social discourse throughout the department. Their activities include selecting and inviting an outside speaker each year, raising funds for student travel awards, hosting social events, and advocating for student welfare. Application process: Formal application to EEB takes place through the Department of Biology. We begin reviewing applications December 1 each year. GRE scores are not required or evaluated for admission. Prospective admittees are invited to visit the Department for a recruiting weekend in February to meet faculty and tour facilities and town. All the details and requirements for application can be found at http://bio.as.virginia.edu/graduate/how-to-apply Alan O. Bergland aob2x@virginia.edu "Bergland, Alan Olav (aob2x)" ********************GradStudentPositions******************** We are looking for a PhD student for a project on sexual networks and alternative mating tactics in the rock hyrax. The student will be supervised by Drs. Amiyaal Ilany and Lee Koren. The project involves extensive fieldwork 6 months a year in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel. The ideal applicant has a strong background in behavioral ecology, field experience handling wildlife, and data analysis skills. For more information, please contact Dr. Amiyaal Ilany (amiyaal@gmail.com) Please include a CV and a cover letter with field experience and interests, as well as contact information of up to three academic references. Application deadline: October 31, 2018. -- Dr. Amiyaal Ilany Senior Lecturer Faculty of Life Sciences Bar-Ilan University Consulting Editor, Journal of Comparative Psychology Member, IUCN Afrotheria Specialist Group Lab website: https://ilany-lab.netlify.com/ Twitter: @amiyaal amiyaal@gmail.com ********************Jobs******************** *Professor, Molecular and Cell Biology and * *Chief Scientific Director, Innovative Genomics Institute* *University of California, Berkeley* The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) at the University of California, Berkeley seeks candidates for a new position, Professor in Molecular & Cell Biology and Chief Scientific Director of the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI). The expected start date is July 1, 2019. MCB is the home of fundamental discoveries of transformative importance including the first developments for Immunotherapy for Cancer and checkpoint intervention, the discovery of the Telomerase enzyme and now CRISPR/CAS genome editing. The present and future discoveries facilitated by the genome editing revolution have made it critical for UC Berkeley to appoint a senior faculty member who is immersed in the broad applications of genome editing and knowledgeable about the opportunities and societal challenges of genome editing technologies as they are deployed around the world. We seek an experienced researcher and teacher adept with disruptive technology and ideas to join our faculty and lead research at the intersection of paradigm-shifting basic science discoveries and societal good and train our future biologists. The successful candidate will also serve as the Chief Scientific Director for the IGI (50%), providing senior team leadership and strategic thinking in the direction and development of initiatives including establishing clinical trials in biomedicine and field trials in agriculture, developing new philanthropic and grant support, and engage in strategic planning. We seek candidates whose research, teaching, or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education. *Basic qualifications (required at the time of application): * A Ph.D. and/or M.D. or equivalent international degree is required at the time of application *Additional qualifications (required at the time of application):* Five or more years of experience leading or directing technology development related to genome editing *Preferred qualifications (by start date):* ¡¤ A Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology, or a related field ¡¤ Ability to teach and mentor students at all academic levels ¡¤ A record of extramural research funding or serving as principle investigator ¡¤ Experience directing and/or developing initiatives translating genome-editing based discovery to real-world applications (e.g. enabling genome-editing approaches in clinical settings to address critical unmet medical needs; deploying genome-editing approaches to agricultural crops with a global footprint; and/or developing applications of genome editing and cell engineering in industrial settings including new genome editing systems) ¡¤ A proven record of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through teaching, research, and/or service Applications must be received by October 29, 2018. To apply, complete an application with the following required documents at: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF01786 ¡¤ Cover Letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for this position ¡¤ Curriculum Vitae: your most recently updated C.V. ¡¤ Summary of Research and Directing Experience: a summary of current and future research objectives including a brief summary of your accomplishments and experience directing and developing a biomedical type institute ¡¤ Diversity Statement: a statement on past contributions and future plans to further diversity and inclusion in the lab, classroom and campus. ¡¤ Summary of Teaching and Service Experience: a summary of teaching experience and interests ¡¤ Significant Publication #1 - In addition to your publication, provide a statement that begins with the manuscript title and author list and then summarizes, in approximately 300 words, the significance of the selected publication. ¡¤ Significant Publication #2 - In addition to your publication, provide a statement that begins with the manuscript title and author list and then summarizes, in approximately 300 words, the significance of the selected publication. ¡¤ Significant Publication #3 - In addition to your publication, provide a statement that begins with the manuscript title and author list and then summarizes, in approximately 300 words, the significance of the selected publication. Applicants should provide the names and contact information for three references who will be contacted for letters only if you are a finalist for the position, and you give permission to do so. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) Please direct questions to MCBSearch.committee@berkeley.edu, with a note indicating this Search # JPF01786. The Berkeley campus values diversity, equity and inclusion as exemplified by the following principles of community: We recognize the intrinsic relationship between diversity and excellence in all our endeavors. We embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our obligation and goal. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students and staff who share our commitment to these principles. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to equity and inclusion. Financial and in-kind resources are available to pursue activities that help accelerate our efforts to achieve our equity and inclusion goals. For more information: https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Berkeley, is committed to addressing the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples and single parents. The Department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching, research, and service. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners and spouses, please visit: http://ofew.berkeley.edu/new-faculty. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. The department is also interested in individuals who may have had non©\traditional career paths or who may have taken time off for family reasons (e.g., children, disabled, or elderly), or who have achieved excellence in careers outside academe (e.g., in professional or industry service)..For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct. mcbsearch.committee@berkeley.edu ********************Jobs******************** Researcher 6, Data Scientist in Food Animal Biology and Production Systems. Start: Immediately with flexible start date. Job ID 325017 https://z.umn.edu/AnSciGEMS This is a 12-month, 100% time, annually renewable appointment. The position has research funding by way of MnDrive (Minnesota's Discovery, Research, and InnoVation Economy). This person will hold an adjunct position in the Department of Animal Science, subject to departmental approval, and will work closely with the Integrated Animal Systems Biology (IASB) Team. Located in the G.E.M.S/IAA, a CFANS Interdisciplinary Initiative, St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota. DESCRIPTION Optimizing resources in food animal production requires the integration of fundamental, complex biological processes involving numerous nutrition and health interventions with economics and business models to create new knowledge for more effective decision-making. The person in this position is expected to be a core member of the IAA/G.E.M.S team working closely with the IASB. They will also play an essential role in continuing to develop collaborations with faculty in the International Science and Technology Policy and Practice Center (InSTePP), Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS), and various current and prospective external partners. Expertise in managing large data sets, machine learning, mathematical modeling, and informatics is essential. This is a 100% research position. The successful candidate will be expected to: Work in a team environment to assist in the development of core integrated animal systems biology. 40% Interface with the Department of Animal Science faculty members to determine their data collection, transfer, interoperability, analysis, and sharing needs, propose data analysis models, establish data libraries (metabolites, nucleic acid data on genes and microbes, data on animal physiological responses to diets and diseases), and assist IASB and other Animal Science faculty to integrate data across disciplines in multiple research projects. Assist in development and implementation of analytical platforms for analyzing large-scale data on animal genomics and microbiome, production system productivity interactions involving nutrition, housing systems, environmental impacts, health status, economics, and other biotic and abiotic influences on animal systems. Contribute to ongoing development and maintenance of G.E.M.S./IAA ontologies and controlled vocabularies to ensure interoperability of animal systems biophysical data with the other databases in G.E.M.S/IAA. Strengthen collaboration and networking among members of the IASB team, college and university-wide ag and life sciences informatics, IAA, and external academic, government, and industrial sources of agricultural data and information. 30% Facilitate networking and information exchange among these teams/domains to identify potential research projects and research collaborations. Aid in the analysis and integration of large-scale data sets produced by various sources, and conduct data mining to identify potential patterns that can serve as researchable questions for research proposals. Contribute to joint grant writing efforts among these teams/domains. Coordinate and contribute to writing interdisciplinary publications including journal articles, book chapters, presentations, and online content. 15% Design and assist in the development of apps with easy to use interfaces that aggregate data from micro to macro scales for decision-making involving animal systems. 15% Essential Qualifications: Ph.D. in data sciences, bioinformatics, animal/biological science or related field. Outstanding capacity to work on the analytics of global (including the U.S.) animal production systems, productivity, and inter-relations to agronomic and crop processing systems in a cross-disciplinary manner to link animal science data and modeling to economics and social outcomes. Excellent skills in computational biology (with an emphasis on genomics, microbiome, nutrition, health, and productivity methods) and biophysical modeling. Ability to efficiently manage large datasets. Compelling written and oral communication skills. Excellent programming skills, and especially demonstrated experience using R or Python. A proven ability to carry out research in a transdisciplinary environment. Desired Qualifications: Excellent record of publications and prospects for continued professional productivity (encompassing both professional articles and policy outreach material, including web based output) Demonstrated potential for preparing successful grant proposals. Knowledge of and experience working with industry, NGO's, and government partners. SALARY AND BENEFITS Salary is competitive and commensurate with the professional experience and qualifications. Fringe benefits include employee health, dental, and faculty life/disability insurance, social security, faculty retirement and opportunities for professional development. PROGRAM/UNIT DESCRIPTION The G.E.M.S / International AgroInformatics Alliance (IAA) is seeking to hire an animal science informatics expert to join a highly diverse international and interdisciplinary team of professionals. This position is available August 1, 2017. G.E.M.S / IAA aims to reimagine the relationships between data, institutions, and disciplines to inform and enable innovative agro-economic decisions at different temporal and spatial scales. The overarching goal of G.E.M.S / IAA is to accelerate sustainable productivity growth in local and global agriculture through the development, deployment and stewardship of innovations in food and agricultural systems. G.E.M.S / IAA is a joint CFANS-MSI catalyzed agroinformatics initiative that makes genomics, environmental, management, and socioeconomic data interoperable at varying spatial and temporal scales to generate actionable information that accelerates and sustains growth in local and global food and agricultural systems. The Alliance (IAA) involves partnerships with strategic entities across UMN and public and private partners around the world. The IASB team is a leader in food animal production systems biology, and has extensive partnerships with the feed and food animal industries, as well as national and international research collaborations with universities. The mission of IASB is to provide solutions to complex issues in animal productivity, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and well-being. The IASB team uses novel approaches in the animal science field to collect biological information from different layers in the whole animal and animal populations to discover the biological mechanisms that affect animal growth and health responses in commercial animal production systems. How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. See posting here: https://z.umn.edu/AnSciGEMS Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there. Applicants must submit a resume/CV, cover letter and the names and contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. References will only be contacted for finalists. *The search committee will begin reviewing applications on August 2, 2018. The position will reamin open until filled.* To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu. Background Check Information Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. "cfaulk@umn.edu" ********************Jobs******************** The Wood Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh is hiring a research technician to assist with field- and lab-based research in the evolutionary ecology and genetics of plant-symbiont interactions. Our lab’s research explores how genetic tradeoffs between attracting mutualists and repelling parasites shapes the evolution of species interactions. We combine fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, and genomics & transcriptomics to explore these questions in the root microbiome of legumes in the genus Medicago, primarily focusing on interactions with mutualistic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Ensifer spp.) and root-parasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). The person in this position will be responsible for assisting with field and greenhouse experiments; processing plant, bacteria, and nematode samples; collecting, analyzing, and managing data; ordering supplies; managing the lab and maintaining equipment; and training and managing undergraduate researchers. The Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences is committed to building a culturally diverse staff. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in support of a diverse community. More information about the lab can be found at the-wood-lab.net, and about the position at https://www.pittsource.com/postings/167973. For more information or to make an informal inquiry about the position, please send a CV and a cover letter to Corlett Wood (corlett.wood@pitt.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until the right candidate is found. Corlett Wolfe Wood, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Pittsburgh corlett.wood@pitt.edu www.the-wood-lab.net corlett.wood@pitt.edu ********************Jobs******************** The University of Kansas (KU) seeks applicants for the Thomas N. Taylor Assistant Professorship/Assistant Curatorship in Paleobotany. This position is a full-time, tenure-track academic year joint appointment in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Biodiversity Institute. The University of Kansas attracts outstanding graduate and undergraduate students. It is located in Lawrence, a Midwestern college town offering a very high quality of life, with vibrant arts and business communities, and top ranked schools in the state. Lawrence is less than an hour's drive from the metropolitan Kansas City area, providing good access to an international airport, professional sports arenas, major arts venues, and diverse museums. For a complete announcement and to apply online, go to: http://employment.ku.edu/academic/13025BR lhileman@ku.edu ********************Other******************** Next on http://phyloseminar.org/ : The role of model fit in resolving the Tree of Life Jeremy Brown (LSU) Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 9:00 PM PDT More data alone will not resolve the Tree of Life. That statement encapsulates perhaps the most striking lesson of phylogenomics. While genome sequences provide us with an invaluably rich source of information about evolutionary history, our ability to properly interpret this information is sometimes flawed, which has led to protracted debates about some of the most interesting and enigmatic relationships across the Tree. However, phylogenetic inference now has a robust grounding in statistical inference. This grounding gives us tools to at least recognize the existence, and hopefully resolve the source, of errors when they occur. These tools are important and broadly applied in other areas of statistical inference, but have been slow to be adopted in phylogenetics. In this talk, I will cover some of the strategies that have been proposed for assessing model fit, some of the reasons for the slow adoption, and the challenges that remain. Andy Magee UW Biology ********************Other******************** Anthropogenic night light and noise pollution are globally pervasive forms of environmental pollution. They are increasingly changing ecosystems with important implications for biodiversity. Please help us understand how these sensory stimuli affect wildlife by participating in this survey. This survey is a crucial part of a NASA-funded project led by Boise State University, and your input will help us inform conservation decision-making by understanding how select biological traits affect vertebrate species' vulnerability to anthropogenic night light and noise. All responses are anonymous. Potential participants include those with backgrounds in animal behavior, animal physiology, wildlife ecology, or sensory ecology or those with ~3 or more years of study/experience with a particular vertebrate species/genus/taxon. As examples, a PhD candidate studying sea turtle nesting success, a biologist working in Everglades National Park for ten years, or an assistant professor of wildlife ecology would all potentially be suitable for this survey. We are looking for a diverse range of participants from academia, non-governmental agencies, nonprofits, and etc. studying or working with vertebrates from across the globe to complete this survey. We estimate the survey will take between 10-15 minutes to complete. To participate, please follow this link: https://boisestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eP6mt7bHVf4aE17 Thank you for helping us understand how anthropogenic night light and noise affect wildlife. P.S. For more information on this project, please see https://cid.boisestate.edu/hes/anln/ Kate Markham ********************Other******************** Expenses paid field assistant positions to assist in population census and bird ringing of Siberian Jays in Swedish Lapland For the field season spring 2019 (27.2-29.3.2019) we are looking for two highly motivated, expenses paid field volunteer to join our field project (main responsible Dr. Michael Griesser, University of Zurich, Switzerland). The study site is located near Arvidsjaur, Swedish Lapland. Our current project investigates the influence of habitat quality on survival of Siberian jays. The work of the field volunteers will be to help with a population census, behavioral observations, catching and color-ringing birds, blood sampling, and data management. This work will give insight into a long-term study system and will be carried out partly in managed forests and partly in scenic pristine boreal habitats. Observe that we can access the study site only on X-country skis, requiring a basic knowledge of X-country or down-hill skiing. Moreover, field work can be demanding at times, with temperatures falling below -25C at times. The team will vary in size depending on the weeks, but at least two other people will be present during the whole field season. Qualifications: (1) Basic skiing experience (X-country or downhill) (2) Preferably bird ringing and mist-netting experience (3) Previous field experience (4) Ability to work in small teams and sociable personality (5) Driving license (6) Fluent in English We will cover for the accommodation, travel expenses from and to the study site (in total up to 300 Euros), as well as the living expenses. Applications - including a CV, a letter of motivation (1 page) and the name of two referees - should be send to Michael Griesser michael.griesser@gmail.com, preferably in a single PDF. Applications received until 9 November 2018 will be given full consideration. Michael Griesser ********************Other******************** *John Maynard Smith Prize 2018: Call for Nominations* Every year the European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) distinguishes an outstanding young evolutionary biologist with a prize named after John Maynard Smith (1920 - 2004), eminent scientist, great mentor, author of many books on evolution, and a former President of ESEB. Nomination: The prize is open to any field of evolutionary biology. The candidates for the 2019 prize must have begun their PhD study after January 1, 2012. In addition, nomineeswill be considered who are more than 7 years from the start of their PhD if they have had career breakstaken for family, caring or health reasons; the nature of the reason must be given. The nomination of the candidate may be by a colleague or self-nominated. The nominations should be sent as a single PDF file to Ute Moniatte at the ESEB office . The nomination should include a brief justification, the candidate's CV and list of publications (indicating three most significant papers), a short description of future research plans, and a letter from the candidate approving the nomination. A letter of reference from another colleague (or two in case of self-nomination) should be sent directly to Ute Moniatte. Nominations and letters of support should arrive no later than* January 15, 2019*. Please take care to limit the size of attachments (total < 10 MB) in any one email. The nomination committee, chaired by the ESEB Vice President Anna-Liisa Laine, will evaluate the nominations and inform the winner approximately by the end of February 2019. The prize winner is expected to attend the ESEB congress in August 2019 in Turku, Finland, where he or she will deliver the 2019 John Maynard Smith Lecture. The Society will cover registration, accommodation, and travel expenses (economy fare). The JMS Prize comes with a monetary prize of 2500 ¤, the invitation to write a review for the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, and the possibility of a Junior Fellowship of generally 3 months at the Institute of Advanced Study (Wissenschaftskolleg) in Berlin, Germany. For more information on the Institute of Advanced Study see www.wiko-berlin.de/en/. Previous winners of the JMS Prize are listed on the ESEB web site: www.eseb.org Sincerely, Anna-Liisa Laine ESEB Vice-President Ute Moniatte ESEB Office Manager -- Email: office@eseb.org European Society of Evolutionary Biology - eseb.org office@eseb.org ********************PostDocs******************** We invite applications for a postdoc-position at "State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe" (SMNK), Germany www.smnk.de beginning 1. January 2019. Subject: Biogeography and Evolution in the Melanesian Archipelago * within the DFG-funded project "An integrative approach to systematics and evolution of Trigonopterus, a hyperdiverse genus of flightless weevils from Southeast Asia and the West Pacific (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)". * This is a collaborative project between Alexander Riedel (SMNK, Karlsruhe) and the Balke lab at SNSB-ZSM. Our model system is a genus of Melanesian weevils for which we have a large data foundation already, which we will build on, as well as expand further. Responsibilities include, among others: * independent processing of sequence data * independent work in the DNA lab (i.e. processing of samples, DNA extraction, Sanger-sequencing, sample storage). * comparative analyses, together with other team members * collaborative work on joint manuscripts Employment qualifications: * PhD in biology or in a relevant subject, e.g. evolutionary biology, entomology, ecology etc. * excellent command of English, preferably also German * profound knowledge of molecular systematics * ability to collaborate within and outside our research group * high motivation and ability to work under pressure The following qualifications would be desirable: * profound knowledge of Geneious software * knowledge of Linux computer systems * basic command of R * basic knowledge of NGS sequencing and bioinformatics What we are offering: * Salary is according to paygrade TV-L E13 (100%) in the German Public Service scheme granted the presence of employment qualifications. * opportunity to participate in a variety of research projects. * The SMNK is among the larger natural history research museums in Germany and offers a friendly research environment. More information: www.smnk.de This position is limited to a 18 month period. The SMNK advocates gender equality. Women are therefore encouraged to apply. Disabled people with largely equal qualifications will be especially considered. Please send your (preferably electronic) application with the relevant documents (motivation letter, CV, two reference letters, copies of certificates, up to five relevant reprints) to Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde, Dr. Alexander Riedel, Erbprinzenstr. 21, D-76133 Karlsruhe Or (preferrably) by Email: riedel@smnk.de Application deadline: 12. November 2018. Only applications arriving until this date will be considered. Notice: Application documents can only be returned if desired and expressly requested. Otherwise, all documents will be destroyed with the conclusion of the selection procedure. Unfortunately, costs arising from the application process cannot be reimbursed. Dr. Alexander Riedel Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Erbprinzenstr. 13 D-76133 Karlsruhe, Germany Tel ++49 721 175 2836 Fax ++49 721 175 2110 Riedel A ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral position available in the Frank lab at the University of California Merced. The Frank lab is recruiting an exceptional and highly motivated postdoc to work on diversity and function of the conifer foliage microbiome. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research that seeks to understand the diversity, function, and transmission routes of the microbiome associated with foliage of western high elevation conifers. The specific research focus involves characterizing the taxa responsible for nitrogen fixation in conifer foliage. Recent findings suggest that both evergreen and deciduous trees have the potential to directly access atmospheric N via N2-fixing bacteria in the foliage. These findings are important to our understanding of how plants in N-limited ecosystems meet their N demand, and to balancing ecosystem N budgets. Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene has shown that the conifer microbiome is largely consistent across species and geographic sites, with several potential N2-fixing uncultured taxa dominating the community. The successful candidate will use a combination of enrichment of bacterial cells and DNA; metagenomics and single cell genome (SAG) sequencing; amplification of nitrogenase (nif) genes using PNA PCR blockers to exclude conifer nif homologs; designing and using nif primers for specific groups of bacteria; and bioinformatics analysis of metagenomes and SAGs. Metagenome- and SAG sequencing is performed in collaboration with Tanya Woyke's group at the Joint Genome Institute in Walnut Creek, CA. There are also opportunities for collaborating with Jennifer Pett-Ridge's group at Lawrence Livermore National Lab for fluorescence in situ hybridization. The project involves sampling lodgepole pine in nearby Yosemite National Park. Applicants should have a PhD, completed or completion imminent, in microbiology, evolution, genomics, bioinformatics, or related fields. Programming and bioinformatics experience is desirable. This position begins in January and is funded for 12 months with the possibility of extension for a total of 2 years. Salary is based on the University of California Academic Salary Scales. Prospective applicants should contact Carolin Frank at cfrank3@ucmcerced.edu to discuss the project. The University of California, Merced is a dynamic new university campus in Merced, California, which opened in September 2005 as the tenth campus of the University of California and the first American research university in the 21st century. The campus is centrally located with easy access to the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the California coastline. U.C. Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff and students. cfrank3@ucmerced.edu ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoctoral Researcher The Toews Lab at Pennsylvania State University is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher. The Researcher will generate and analyze high-throughput DNA sequencing data to address several evolutionary and ecological questions regarding the diversification of birds. Projects are open to development in their approach and focus, but several active research areas include: comparative genomics amongst several species of wood warblers, and using metabarcoding to understand the diets of insectivorous birds in diverse forest communities. The position requires a Ph.D. degree in biology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, genomics, or a related field. Familiarity with either R or Matlab, and experience using a Unix or Linux environment is highly preferred, as is field experience handling birds. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, a current CV, and contact information for three references. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of re-funding. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. See http://www.davetoews.com/prospective/ for additional information. Applicants may apply through the following link: https://psu.jobs/job/83485 Research Technologist / Lab Manager The Toews Lab at Pennsylvania State University is seeking to hire a Research Technologist / Lab Manger. The person will analyze high-throughput DNA sequencing data to address several evolutionary and ecological questions regarding the diversification of wood warblers. Two active projects the technician will assist moving forward: comparative genomics amongst several species of wood warblers from whole-genome resequencing data, and using fecal metabarcoding data to understand the diets of insectivorous birds in diverse forest communities. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. This job will be filled as a level 1, or level 2, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. Typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher plus one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 1. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. An MSc or Ph.D. degree in biology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, genomics, or a related field is preferred, and/or experience from biotech or informatics positions. Familiarity with either R or Matlab, high-throughput sequencing library preparation, and experience with bioinformatics analysis using a Unix or Linux environment is highly preferred. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of re-funding. See http://www.davetoews.com/prospective/ for additional information. Applicants may apply through the following link: https://psu.jobs/job/83480 David Toews, PhD. Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cornell Lab of Ornithology & Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University toews@cornell.edu Ithaca, NY (607) 882-1200 http://www.davetoews.com David Toews