UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
BERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MERCED • RIVERSIDE • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO SANTA BARBARA • SANTA CRUZ
Postdoctoral Scholar Position Available in the Department of Plant and
Microbial Biology-Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics
There is an opening for a postdoctoral position available in the lab of Dr. Benjamin Blackman. The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant and complement the Blackman Lab's broad interests in the genetic basis of adaptation and domestication, the ecology and evolution of plant development, and mechanisms of organism-environment interaction.
Applying tools from evolutionary genomics, molecular genetics, and field ecology in sunflowers (Helianthus) and monkeyflowers (Mimulus), our research addresses the following questions: How do plants cope with daily and seasonal environmental fluctuations? How and why do these response evolve along environmental gradients?
How are multi-trait adaptations assembled over evolutionary time? Current NSF-funded work is focused on following the history and function of sunflower domestication alleles with ancient DNA and gene expression studies as well as the genetics of natural variation in solar tracking. Additional lab and field work in wild sunflowers and monkeyflowers centers on the genetic changes and ecological pressures contributing to clinal variation in developmental plasticity, with an emphasis on responses to seasonal cues.
The postdoc will work closely with the PI, collaborators, and lab personnel to design and lead research in the lab and field. The position also involves preparing grant proposals and manuscripts, data management and dissemination, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
Basic Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed all degree requirements except the dissertation or be enrolled in an accredited PhD or equivalent degree in Biology or related field at the time of application.
Additional Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree in Biology or related field by appointment start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines, identify and troubleshoot promising new methodologies independently, and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel, exciting questions. Demonstrated expertise in evolutionary genetics and evolutionary ecology is essential. Expertise in analysis of genomic or transcriptomic datasets, programming for bioinformatics, biostatistics, selection analysis, QTL mapping, or gene expression studies is desirable.
Appointment:
The targeted start date for this position is mid-January 2016. The initial appointment is for one-year, however, appointment may be renewed for an additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. This is a full-time appointment.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on UC Berkeley Postdoc salary scales.
The salary range for this position is $42,840 to $50,112. Generous benefits are included
(http://vspa.berkeley.edu/postdocs)
To Apply:
https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF00892
Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter that summarizes research interests and professional goals, along with a current CV and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of reference may be requested for finalists. It is optional to include a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
This position will remain open until filled.
Questions regarding this recruitment can be directed to Dr. Benjamin Blackman at bkblackman@berkeley.edu.
All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e. dossier service or career center) to the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html ) prior to submitting their letters.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
The Department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their research or teaching.
The University of California, Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.
