Opportunities

We are hiring a postdoc for an NSF-funded project on the determinants of amphibian genomic diversity. Current funding is available for 3 years, based on successful performance reviews at the end of each year.

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Project Abstract:  This research will investigate genomic variation within amphibians and provide insight into how life history and ecological traits, phylogenetic history, population history, and environmental factors influence diversity within species. The first aim will combine data repurposing, machine learning, and phylogenetic comparative methods to identify important predictors of genetic diversity for global amphibians using open-access museum, trait, and genetic sequence databases. The second aim will produce RADseq data for 40 frog species in the United States, sampled across geographic space to test predictions about the influence of population history and current environmental variation on genetic variation within species. A new undergraduate course in Biodiversity Informatics will be developed to engage students with natural history collections and biodiversity databases, provide computational training, and offer hands-on research experiences through collaborative projects that leverage the amphibian data produced by the project.

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Preferred Qualifications:  The ideal candidate will have experience with computational methods (basic scripting and running packages in R, Python; familiarity with Unix-based pipelines and computing clusters; interest in machine learning, phylogenetic methods, and population genetics). The postdoc will also be expected to work closely with undergraduate and graduate students to assemble amphibian datasets from open-access genetic sequence, museum, and trait databases; plan and carry out analyses; and lead the writing of manuscripts. The successful candidate will have a publication record related to some component of the project (e.g. phylogenetics, population genetics, amphibian ecology) and will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

 

About the University, Department, and Lab:  The University of New Mexico is a research-intensive (Carnegie R1) and Hispanic-Serving Institution located in Albuquerque. Boasting >300 days of sunshine a year, Albuquerque is rich in outdoor opportunities, arts, and culture. Our lab is part of a large and diverse Biology Department with >30 tenure-track faculty, 100 graduate students, and ~1300 undergraduates. Members of the lab are part of a collaborative and supportive network. We are all expected to help and learn from each other; give constructive feedback on project design, manuscripts, and presentations; and support the mission of the Museum of Southwestern Biology (to collect and curate biodiversity specimens and information to advance understanding of earth's biota over time and space).

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To Apply:  Please send a CV, short letter describing relevant qualifications and interests, and contact information for 3 professional references to lnbarrow@unm.edu . References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, please apply by August 20, 2021. The position begins in September or as soon as possible after that.