Postdoctoral Research Associate , Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Position:
Postdoctoral research position funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with Dr. Katrina Dlugosch at the University of Arizona on the ecological genomics of the evolution of the invasive plant yellow star thistle (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 star thistle 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. Opportunities exist for the postdoc to propose new research directions and mentor 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.

• Lead a large greenhouse genetic mapping experiment to map the plant genetic basis of plant-associated microbial community variation.
• Perform sterile culture of bacteria, greenhouse rearing of plants, plant genome resequencing, microbiome sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, and associated manuscript publication.

• 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.

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

• 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.

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to university recreation and cultural activities; and more.

One-year appointment.