Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Texas A&M University
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Category:
Postdoctoral-Life Sciences
- Posting Date: 06/30/2022
- Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environments for all visitors, students, faculty, and staff by promoting a culture that embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability. Diverse perspectives, talents, and identities are vital to accomplishing our mission and living our core values.
Who we are
The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology is dedicated to the advancement of new knowledge and new discoveries in ecology and related fields of science, such as the study of evolution, behavior, biodiversity, and environmental science. Our researchers also strive to develop new approaches and methodologies that advance both scientific discoveries and applications of ecological knowledge and evidence for effective biological conservation and natural resource and environmental management. Our research is conducted in field sites throughout Texas and the world, and most of our faculty, technical staff, and students have strong international collaborations. Research in developing tropical countries is an especially strong focus for many of our researchers.
What we want
We are seeking a new member of our research community to work in the lab of Dr. Michelle Lawing (Texas A&M University) and in collaboration with Dr. Emília Martins (Arizona State University), Dr. Julio Rivera (Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine), and Dr. Jaime Zúñiga-Vega (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México). You would join a vibrant team of international researchers investigating the impacts of closely related spiny lizards (genus Sceloporus) on phenotypic evolution. You will be responsible for performing research tasks and helping to organize and participate in broader impacts outlined in a jointly funded NSF award titled “Inferring the impacts of closely-related species on phenotypic evolution.” See the NSF grant abstract here: https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2154898. Our team includes faculty, postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and undergraduate students participating in classroom exercises.
Job Duties:
Investigating the impacts of closely related spiny lizards (genus Sceloporus) on phenotypic evolution.
Responsible for performing research tasks and helping to organize and participate in broader impacts outlined in a jointly funded NSF award titled “Inferring the impacts of closely-related species on phenotypic evolution.
Tasks will include the following: (1) phylogenetic climate modeling, (2) computational simulations and sensitivity tests, (3) domestic travel to assist in CT scanning and scoring landmarks, (4) international travel to assist in fieldwork, (5) preparation of data, code, figures, tables, and text for manuscripts, (6) mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, (7) participation in broader impacts planning (8) travel to present findings at professional conferences and (9) facilitation of collaboration through participating in small group and team meetings.
Required Education:
Appropriate PhD
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to multi-task, organize independent work, and work cooperatively and collaboratively
Demonstrated ability to write peer-reviewed publishable scientific papers
Proficiency in writing and understanding R code
Other Requirements or Other Factors:
Primarily based at the Texas A&M University, College Station Campus. Annual travel to Mexico for approximately one month, annual travel to at least one weeklong meeting with collaborators (mixed across years among the cities of Tempe, Arizona, Mexico City, MX, and College Station, TX) and/or to Friday Harbor Laboratories for CT scanning, and annual travel to at least one professional conference is expected.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Geography (with a biogeography emphasis), or Geological Sciences (with an emphasis in paleontology)
Experience with phylogenetic comparative methods
Experience with geographic mapping of environments
Experience working with statistics and large datasets
Required Documents to Submit: Applicants should upload a single pdf, which should include:
Cover letter stating your interest in this position, your fit and your previous experience related to this position description, including scientific goals and interests. CV Names and contact information for three persons willing to provide a recommendation.
Application Deadline: applications will be considered beginning July 15 until the position is filled
Application Review: We will review all qualified applicants and request interviews from our top applicants, interviews may include virtual seminars and meetings with project leaders and collaborators. An offer will be made to start as soon as 1 September 2022 (but start date is negotiable).
This is a grant funded position. This position is not subject to the hiring freeze.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.