"Postdoctoral Associate - Urban Evolution"

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to join an NSF-funded project on urban evolution, led by Professors Brad Cosentino and James Gibbs. This project aims to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms that maintain urban-rural clines in phenotypic traits, with coat color in eastern gray squirrels as the model system.

The position is fully remote for six months and will focus on writing two manuscripts based on existing data. The first manuscript will explore how non-adaptive evolutionary processes influence the strength of urban-rural clines in squirrel melanism across more than three dozen cities. The postdoc will use camera trap and citizen science observations to investigate how forest fragmentation and barriers to gene flow shape these clines. The topic for the second manuscript will be determined based on the candidate's interests and data availability. Potential areas of inquiry for the second paper include:

• Effects of urbanization and coat color on antipredator behavior (e.g., flight initiation distance trials)
• Comparisons of activity patterns between squirrel color morphs and carnivore predators
• Comparisons of heavy metal concentrations between color morphs
• Drivers of intracity variation in coat color prevalence

This is a full-time, remote position with a 6-month appointment. There is the possibility of extension, contingent on funding availability. We will also consider part-time appointments for candidates who have other part-time commitments. Compensation is $35,000 for six months, with benefits.

Questions can be addressed to Brad Cosentino.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in evolutionary ecology or related fields
• Strong track record of publishing scientific research
• Familiarity with urban evolutionary biology and wildlife biology
• Strong ability to work independently, take initiative in moving a research project forward, and effectively manage time to meet deadlines in a remote environment

Desirable qualifications:

• Strong data management, analysis, and coding skills in R
• Experience working with hierarchical models of wildlife abundance/occupancy

About HWS: A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith Colleges are known for preparing students for meaningful lives and careers. Our faculty are accessible teachers and scholars. Located in Geneva, N.Y., in the Finger Lakes Region.

Application Instructions: For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/158112. The Colleges are an equal opportunity employer.