********************GradStudentPositions******************** Title: PhD Assistantship - Population Genomics of Urban Raccoons Agency: NC State University/North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Location: Raleigh, NC Start Date: August 2022 Job Description: The Kierepka Laboratory combines genomic and bioinformatic analyses to investigate the effects of environmental heterogeneity on wild animal populations. We focus on multiple questions within these interests including landscape effects on gene flow, spatial mark-recapture of elusive species, detection of cryptic evolutionary lineages, and how human-dominated landscapes influence contemporary evolution. For this position, the PhD student will lead an evolutionary and population genomics study of urban raccoons across the United States. This project aims to elucidate how raccoons adapt to urban environments within and outside the eastern rabies endemic zone. The position will involve extensive laboratory work (DNA extraction, PCR, and genomic library preparation) as well as bioinformatic analysis of whole genome sequencing. Field work will be very limited. The student will be housed in the Forestry and Environmental Resources Department at NCSU as well as at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The museum offers numerous opportunities for outreach and science communication in beautiful downtown Raleigh. The student will also have opportunities to explore their own research questions in conjunction with the project. This position is fully funded for 4 years. North Carolina State University is an R1 institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina, which is located approximately two miles from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Raleigh is a vibrant city within the world famous Research Triangle and offers numerous attractions including a thriving restaurant and brewery crowd, William B. Umstead State Park, numerous bike and walking trails, museums, and open air markets. Qualifications: M.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology, Genetics/Genomics, Zoology, Biology, or related fields. Interest in pursuing genomic questions in wildlife is a must; the majority of work is laboratory-based for projects in my lab. Previous experience with genomic or genetic methods methods including DNA extraction, PCR, general wet laboratory skills, and genomic analysis are desirable. Although familiarity with bioinformatics and molecular techniques are desirable for this position, previous experience in all areas is not required. Please do not self-select yourself out of applying. Salary: ~$25,000/yr, tuition, health insurance, with additional resources available for students interested in teaching. Application Deadline: applications will be evaluated as they arrive, but final deadline is October 20, 2021. Interviews will begin in early November. Contact: Diversity and inclusion are a high priority in my lab; I highly recommend all interested applicants contact me directly prior to applying to the graduate program. To apply for this position, please submit a letter of interest, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three potential references as a single pdf document to Dr. Liz Kierepka (emkierep@ncsu.edu). Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Liz Kierepka Senior Research Biologist/Assistant Research Professor North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences/North Carolina State University Forestry and Environmental Resources Department lizkierepka.com Liz Kierepka Elizabeth M. Kierepka Senior Research Scientist, Biodiversity Laboratory North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Assistant Research Professor, Dept Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University liz.kierepka@naturalsciences.org emkierep@ncsu.edu Website: lizkierepka.com Liz Kierepka ********************GradStudentPositions******************** PhD STUDENT POSITION - Human palaeogenomics on the Scandinavian Vikings and horses - Based at the Department of Biology (Lund University). - Application deadline: 15 October 2021. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A four-year fully-funded PhD position is available to develop Machine Learning methods that will reconstruct the origin of domestic horses and help us understand their contribution to the success of Scandinavian Vikings. Ancient DNA (aDNA) has changed history studies, enabling us to analyze early genetic variation directly. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the amount of collected aDNA and high-profile investigations. Still, insufficient information about the timing and geographical origin has limited the usefulness of the collected data and resulted in many erroneous reports. The project aims to develop machine learning tools to date aDNA and predict the geographical origin of the DNA material. The ML methods developed for this project will be used to reconstruct the origin of domestic horses and their contribution to the success of Scandinavian Vikings. The analyses will use state-of-the-art genomic methods to assess the migration routes and subsequent changes in population structure and genetic diversity. The PhD student will join the community of bioinformaticians at Lund University and our international research team. The PhD student will join the lab group led by Eran Elhaik http://www.eranelhaiklab.org/, located at Lund University, Sweden. WORK DUTIES Candidates are expected to be interested in biology and history alongside solid computational skills with a background in statistics, physics, computer science, and/or a related field. Candidates are also expected to have fundamental knowledge and experience with Machine Learning methods. The candidate will work jointly with Dr. Eran Elhaik, Dr. Patrik Eden, and Prof. Eske Willerslev (at the University of Copenhagen) to develop statistical methods for a project in population genetics. This is a multi-disciplinary project involving programming and modeling. In addition, the project will involve collaborations with researchers in other disciplines, including biomathematics, biostatistics, and molecular biology. The candidate is expected to have a strong grounding in programming in R and math/statistics. The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which include participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). HOW TO APPLY Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts. To apply, please click the button "Login and apply" https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:429496/ Eran eran.elhaik@biol.lu.se Eran Elhaik ********************Jobs******************** The Department of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship in the area of vertebrate systematic biology. The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their strong commitment to research, teaching, and mentoring. The candidate will also participate in leadership of the in-house Collection of Vertebrates (COV). The COV currently houses over 60,000 specimens of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and frozen tissues, which serve our teaching and research missions. The Department of Integrative Biology comprises 25 faculty, numerous active adjunct and emeritus members, 54 graduate students, and nearly 900 undergraduates majoring in biology, zoology, and physiology. Members of the department strive for an inclusive atmosphere that fosters and provides support for success and a welcoming place to work. Faculty members actively collaborate on three main research themes: ecology, evolution, and environmental stress. See our website (https://integrativebiology.okstate.edu) for more information. Our research is supported by external grants, and the successful applicant will be expected to establish an extramurally funded research program. This appointment will be appropriately balanced among research, teaching, and COV responsibilities. Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie Tier 1 research university with excellent facilities for research and instruction, including a high-performance computing center. Because of its mid-continent location that spans a broad expanse of habitats, from deciduous forest to semi-arid grasslands, Oklahoma offers a rich tapestry of prairie and forest ecosystems that support an exceptional level of biodiversity. The University is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, rated the friendliest college town in America. The town offers an exceptionally high quality of life- a thriving college community with a low cost of living. Stillwater is well served by a local airport, with convenient worldwide connections through Dallas- Fort Worth. Two major metropolitan areas (Tulsa and Oklahoma City) offer numerous shopping, dining, and cultural activities within a short drive of Stillwater. Applicants should have a Ph.D. and a record of excellence in research and scholarship, and experience with museum collections. To apply, please submit the following items via Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/94871): cover letter; curriculum vita; separate research (which should include a section dedicated to your curatorial philosophy), teaching, and diversity statements; and contact information for three professional references. Application review will begin October 29, with employment starting August 2022 or as negotiated. Interviews may be held online, to be determined by developments with the Covid-19 pandemic. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/ expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu. Contact Bruce Waldman (bruce.waldman@okstate.edu), Search Committee Chair, for further information. ********************Jobs******************** As part of a continuing campaign to grow and enhance the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky (https://bio.as.uky.edu/) in Lexington, KY, we seek to hire two tenure-track Assistant Professors. We aim to expand research in the following areas: (1) neurobiology and (2) biology of environmental change. We are also interested in areas of biology that enhance or complement our department's research portfolio. We welcome applicants seeking to build research programs that use any combination of empirical, computational, and theoretical approaches. Moreover, we encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build a diverse and inclusive department. The Department of Biology is a highly collaborative environment with strengths in evolutionary genetics and genomics, phylogenetics and macroecology, evolutionary and behavioral ecology, neuroendocrinology and neurophysiology, biological clocks and sleep, and regenerative, developmental and stem cell biology. Biology faculty and trainee research use a diverse array of biological systems (e.g., insects, lampreys, zebrafish, birds, salamanders, rodents, primates, microbes, planaria, snakes, and vascular and non-vascular plants) and mathematical and computational tools. Members of the department collaborate with life science faculty in the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Agriculture, and Arts & Sciences, the Markey Cancer Center, the Sanders Brown Center on Aging, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Interested applicants should apply online at: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/351530. Applicants for both positions must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree with postdoctoral experience (minimum 6 months) demonstrating excellence in their field. Evidence of an ability to obtain extramural grant support and/or some teaching experience is encouraged. Responsibilities for the successful candidates include: (1) establishment of an independent research program that is supported by awards from extramural agencies; (2) contribution to the teaching mission of the undergraduate program; (3) teaching and mentoring of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows; and (4) service for the department, university, and profession. Competitive start-up funds and renovated laboratory space will be provided. Applicants should submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) description of the prospective research program (2 to 3 pages; upload as Specific Request 1), 4) one-page description of teaching interests (upload as Specific Request 2), and 5) statement on inclusivity (upload as Specific Request 3). As a college and university, we are strongly committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, and working environment for all. In one to two pages, applicants should reflect on their commitments, approaches, and insights related to inclusion, diversity, and equity. In addition, please provide the names and contact information for three references when prompted in the academic profile. This information may be utilized to solicit recommendation letters from your references within the employment system. Questions about the department and/or these searches should be addressed to Dr. David Weisrock, Chair, Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, email: david.weisrock@uky.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received before October 15, 2021 are assured full consideration. -- Jeremy Van Cleve Associate Professor Department of Biology University of Kentucky E-mail: jvancleve@uky.edu Webpage: http://vancleve.theoretical.bio Phone: (859) 218-3020 "jvancleve@uky.edu" ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** Dear all, registrazions are now open for our online "Sex Chromosome Evolution"course : ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/sexchr/ ) Dates: 14-18 February 2022 This course will introduce attendees to how the genomic and transcriptomic data can be used to detect homomorphic/heteromorphic sex chromosomes and inform the cause and consequences of sex chromosome differentiation. The instructors will guide students through study design, genomic/transcriptomic data collection methods, handling of raw genomic/transcriptomic data, and methods to identify sex chromosomes. Then, we will work through a suite of analyses looking at the molecular evolution of sex chromosomes, particularly the timing and patterns of recombination suppression, gene gain/loss, gene expression differentiation, and genome divergence. We will provide background on the theory and hands-on exercises, running analysis, and interpreting results. After completing the course, the participants should be able to manipulate, visualize and interpret genomic data and patterns of sex chromosome evolution. Here you can find the full list of our Courses and Workshops: ( https://www.physalia-courses.org/courses-workshops/ ) Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: info@physalia-courses.org All the best, Carlo Carlo Pecoraro, Ph.D Physalia-courses DIRECTOR info@physalia-courses.org mobile: +49 17645230846 Follow us on ( https://twitter.com/Physacourses ) "info@physalia-courses.org"