laboratory, field, and bioinformatics projects related to adaptation
genomics, with an emphasis on thermal and seasonal ecology.
Projects in the lab focus on discovering genetic variants that contribute to
rapid evolutionary divergence and speciation among populations and
statistically modeling the physiological networks that transduce
genotypes to adaptive phenotypes. Phenotypes of interest include
life history timing (insect diapause), thermal stress resistance,
and capacity to exploit novel resources, especially in the context
of environmental change. Experimental approaches span field ecology,
genomics, transcriptomics, and organismal physiology, and rely heavily
upon informatic processing and statistical modeling of large, next
generation sequencing data sets (http://www3.nd.edu/~gragland/
portion of the work to be performed will include NSF-funded research
on the genetic and physiological modularity of evolving life history
components in the apple maggot fly, a model system for rapid adaptation
and sympatric speciation. This project is an ongoing collaboration with
Jeff Feder at Notre Dame and Dan Hahn at the University of Florida,
and opportunities for cross-disciplinary training in these labs may
also be available. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to perform
independent research according to his or her own interests and specific
training.
Position: Research Associate (Postdoctoral researcher)
Location: Department of Entomology, Kansas State University,
Manhattan, KS 66506-4004.
Appointment: 12-month, full-time (40 hours/week), term, non-tenure
track position.
Annual renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of
funding.
Salary: $35,000 to $42,000/year (negotiable based on experience)
plus benefits
Starting Date: August 17, 2014 (earliest: starting date is flexible)
Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include DNA and RNA library
preparation, animal rearing and experimental design, and bioinformatics
and statistical analysis to support research on the genomic variation
associated with rapid life history evolution in insects. The successful
candidate will work independently, effectively manage graduate and
undergraduate students, perform field collections when necessary,
coordinate with collaborators at domestic and foreign institutions,
and communicate results at international conferences.
Qualifications: Ph.D in Biology, Entomology, or a closely related field
with a strong background in evolutionary biology, ecology, environmental
physiology, or genomics. A background in the application of statistical
models (e.g., glm, mixed models, multivariate analysis) is required,
and experience with Linux command line environments and scripting
languages (R, python, perl) is strongly preferred. Candidate must also
demonstrate evidence of successful communication of results through
published manuscripts, conference presentations, or related activities.
Applications: Please submit a cover letter including research interests,
curriculum vitae, and contact information, including e-mail addresses of
at least three references by email to Evelyn Kennedy (ekennedy@ksu.edu).
Screening of applications begin August 5, 2014 and continue until a
suitable candidate is found.
Contact person for specific information regarding the position:
Dr. Gregory Ragland
Department of Entomology
Kansas State University
123 Waters Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-4004
Email: gragland@ksu.edu
Kansas State University is an AA/EOE employer of individuals with
disabilities and protected veterans; and encourages diversity among
its employees. Background check is required.
