Job Description:
Postdoctoral or more senior research associate position in Molecular Ecology/DNA metabarcoding to work with Professor Robert M. Pringle and Dr. Tyler Kartzinel in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University.
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position to study how diet composition shapes ecology, evolution, and behavior in free-ranging wild animals. Specifically, we use DNA metabarcoding and other molecular approaches to quantify diet from field-collected fecal samples; we then use the resulting dietary profiles to illuminate the ecological processes that structure communities and ecosystems, to provide fresh reassessments of classic ideas, and to develop novel theory. The philosophy guiding this work is that the study of species interactions has long been hampered by an imprecise understanding of exactly what most animals actually eat under different environmental conditions. We therefore use cutting-edge, minimally invasive molecular diet analyses as a mechanistic probe with which to better interpret the results of large-scale experimental and observational studies.
We focus on two iconic field systems with storied histories of ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral research: African savanna ungulates and Caribbean island Anolis lizards. Work in Africa is conducted in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and Mpala Research Centre in Kenya, where long-term manipulations of resource availability and large-herbivore presence/absence are underway. In the Caribbean, we study a network of 16 small Bahamian islands onto which different combinations of lizard species have been introduced.
For a recent example of related work from the lab, see:
Kartzinel, TR, Chen, PA, Coverdale, TC, Erickson, DL, Kress, WJ, Kuzmina, ML, Rubenstein, DI, Wang, W & Pringle, RM (2015) DNA metabarcoding illuminates dietary niche partitioning by African large herbivores. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 112:8019-8024.
The successful candidate will be embedded within Pringle's laboratory in Princeton and will work collaboratively with Pringle and Kartzinel to (a) address conceptually important questions in one or more of these field systems and (b) pursue methodological and analytical advances. Fieldwork and collecting trips will be interspersed with laboratory work, enabling the post-doctoral researcher to hone a well-rounded skill set. Beyond Pringle's research group, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact extensively with Princeton's EEB Department and with project collaborators at other institutions.
The appointment is for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal up to three years, based on satisfactory performance and funding. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and benefits are included. This position is available immediately and will be open until filled. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.
Applicants should apply online at https://jobs.princeton.edu and include a curriculum vitae, a one page statement of research interests and experience, and a cover letter with names and contact information of three referees.
Essential Qualifications
Education required: Doctorate Degree
Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in biology or a related field, and a strong molecular and bioinformatics background is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in molecular diet analysis specifically or environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches more broadly would be is desired, but is not essential if the candidate's laboratory background is sufficiently strong in other dimensions.
Additional Info:
[Click Here to Access the Original Job Post]
Postdoctoral or more senior research associate position in Molecular Ecology/DNA metabarcoding to work with Professor Robert M. Pringle and Dr. Tyler Kartzinel in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University.
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position to study how diet composition shapes ecology, evolution, and behavior in free-ranging wild animals. Specifically, we use DNA metabarcoding and other molecular approaches to quantify diet from field-collected fecal samples; we then use the resulting dietary profiles to illuminate the ecological processes that structure communities and ecosystems, to provide fresh reassessments of classic ideas, and to develop novel theory. The philosophy guiding this work is that the study of species interactions has long been hampered by an imprecise understanding of exactly what most animals actually eat under different environmental conditions. We therefore use cutting-edge, minimally invasive molecular diet analyses as a mechanistic probe with which to better interpret the results of large-scale experimental and observational studies.
We focus on two iconic field systems with storied histories of ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral research: African savanna ungulates and Caribbean island Anolis lizards. Work in Africa is conducted in Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and Mpala Research Centre in Kenya, where long-term manipulations of resource availability and large-herbivore presence/absence are underway. In the Caribbean, we study a network of 16 small Bahamian islands onto which different combinations of lizard species have been introduced.
For a recent example of related work from the lab, see:
Kartzinel, TR, Chen, PA, Coverdale, TC, Erickson, DL, Kress, WJ, Kuzmina, ML, Rubenstein, DI, Wang, W & Pringle, RM (2015) DNA metabarcoding illuminates dietary niche partitioning by African large herbivores. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 112:8019-8024.
The successful candidate will be embedded within Pringle's laboratory in Princeton and will work collaboratively with Pringle and Kartzinel to (a) address conceptually important questions in one or more of these field systems and (b) pursue methodological and analytical advances. Fieldwork and collecting trips will be interspersed with laboratory work, enabling the post-doctoral researcher to hone a well-rounded skill set. Beyond Pringle's research group, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact extensively with Princeton's EEB Department and with project collaborators at other institutions.
The appointment is for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal up to three years, based on satisfactory performance and funding. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, and benefits are included. This position is available immediately and will be open until filled. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.
Applicants should apply online at https://jobs.princeton.edu and include a curriculum vitae, a one page statement of research interests and experience, and a cover letter with names and contact information of three referees.
Essential Qualifications
Education required: Doctorate Degree
Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in biology or a related field, and a strong molecular and bioinformatics background is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience in molecular diet analysis specifically or environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches more broadly would be is desired, but is not essential if the candidate's laboratory background is sufficiently strong in other dimensions.
Skills :
Areas :
Additional Info:
[Click Here to Access the Original Job Post]