Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Position Highlights

A postdoctoral research position funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available to work with Dr. Katrina Dlugosch at the University of Arizona on the ecological genomics of the evolution of the invasive plant yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). This project studies the evolution of species interactions during range expansion and their impact on the spread of invading plant populations. We have found large differences in the microbial communities associated with yellow starthistle across its range, and evidence that microbial variation alters invader performance. This position will lead efforts to understand the genomic basis of these changes and their impacts on the ecology of invasion, including mapping the genetic basis of microbiome variation in the host plant genome.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with interests and experience in these areas. In addition, there will be opportunities for the postdoc to propose new research directions and to be involved in the mentoring of students.

The successful candidate will join an active lab of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs focused on the rapid evolution of plants in response to novel environments. https://www.dlugosch-lab.net/

This is a one-year appointment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will lead a large greenhouse genetic mapping experiment to map the plant genetic basis of plant-associated microbial community variation.
• This work will involve sterile culture of bacteria, greenhouse rearing of plants, plant genome resequencing, microbiome sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, and associated manuscript publication.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Skills in microbial culturing.
• Ability to rear plants in a greenhouse or growth chamber.
• Willingness and ability to work independently and in a team as needed.
• Strong writing skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• A doctorate in Biology or a related field upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with research on the evolution and ecology of invasive/weedy plant species.
• Experience isolating DNA for sequencing.
• Experience with bioinformatic analyses of genomic data.
• Authorship of peer-reviewed publications of original research in a field related to the position.