Postdoctoral Fellow - macroevolution of flower color

The Smith Lab at the University of Colorado, Boulder is looking to hire a postdoctoral fellow to join an NSF-funded project on the macroevolution of flower color. Research in the lab encompasses phylogenetics, evolutionary genomics, biochemistry, and comparative methods. Our questions are centered on understanding phylogenetic patterns of floral trait evolution and identifying the mechanisms that underlie changes in floral traits (www.colorado.edu/smithlab). The postdoc will lead research aimed at testing the predictability of genetic changes associated with the macroevolution of flower color in Solanaceae (the tomato family). This project builds on previous research suggesting that, for a given pigment pathway, color evolution proceeds through a predictable subset of possible mutations. Testing this hypothesis at a phylogenetic scale will involve a combination of biochemical analysis of pigments, floral transcriptomics, and statistical comparative methods. The postdoctoral fellow will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips to South America to sample new taxa, and is expected to take part in several local evolution outreach activities. Qualified candidates will have a PhD in biology or related disciplines and a strong publication record. Experience in plant biochemistry (including HPLC) and/or analysis of next-generation sequence data is a plus. To apply for the positions, please send a brief letter of interest (1-2 paragraphs), a CV, and the names and contact information for three references to Stacey D. Smith, stacey.d.smith@colorado.edu. The position is available for 1 year with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years depending on research progress. The position is available immediately, but the start date is flexible.

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Stacey D. Smith
Office/Lab: C340/C127 Ramaley
University of Colorado-Boulder
Campus Box 334, Boulder, CO 80309-0334
Phone: (303) 492-1374
Voicemail: (402) 370-6749
website: colorado.edu/smithlab

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