Postdoctoral Fellow

Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunity

The School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work both independently and collaboratively with members of Dr. Shannon Brewer's and Dr. Jessica Rieder's research teams. The successful candidate will develop and lead research projects to improve our understanding of the prevalence, variety, and dynamics of fish populations, including invasive and non-native species, in Alabama aquaculture systems, using advanced molecular approaches, including sequencing and environmental DNA.

This is a benefit-eligible, non-tenure-track position. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Responsibilities include identifying and refining research questions; designing and implementing field- and laboratory-based experiments; analyzing and interpreting data using appropriate statistical approaches; publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals; presenting findings at professional, stakeholder, and agency meetings; and contributing to the development of proposals for extramural funding to support the broader research program.

The minimum qualification for this position is a Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Molecular Ecology, or a closely related field by the time employment begins. The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to conduct research related to the detection, variety, and ecology of fish populations throughout Alabama. Selected candidates must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with environmental DNA methodologies; experience analyzing experimental and monitoring datasets using appropriate statistical approaches;

and a strong record of manuscript preparation and publication in peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate must also be able to work both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.

Desired qualifications include experience with R, occupancy modeling, map making (Ror Arc GIS), and experience with other commonly used coding languages. Research experience in freshwater fish ecology, population monitoring, invasive species biology, aquaculture systems, or fisheries science is also desired. Expertise with environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches, including assay development, sampling design, laboratory workflows, and sequencing-based applications for species detection and biodiversity assessment is highly desired.

Experience with molecular tools relevant to aquatic species monitoring, including metabarcoding, population genomics, or other sequencing-based approaches is also desired. Strong quantitative skills, including statistical analysis of ecological, experimental, and monitoring datasets are also desired. Interest in applied research that informs management of fish populations, including invasive and non-native species, in Alabama aquatic systems is also desired.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today!

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