Postdoctoral fellow to join a collaborative project examining functional, population genetic and ecophysiological mechanisms underlying success of polyploid plants.
The work aims to predict the effect of whole genome duplication on ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental change. The postdoc will identify the ecological, population genetic and genomic factors that underlie functional trait (e.g., associated with drought and freeze tolerance) variation, ecological amplitude and gene expression diversity using the wild strawberry (Fragaria) as a model system (see Liston et al 2014. AJB101:1686-1699; Johnson et al 2014 Bot J Linn Soc 176:99-114). The specific goals are to 1) analyze gene expression (transcriptomes) and physiological traits of natural and synthetic polyploids and their diploid progenitors in the greenhouse and common gardens at climatically diverse sites, 2) use NGS of target-captured sequence from natural populations of plants to identify patterns of genetic diversity and signatures of selection, reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and generate high density linkage maps (Tennesson et al 2014 GBE 6:3295–3313).
Responsibilities include the establishment and monitoring of experiments in the field and under controlled conditions in the lab, collection and analysis of population genetic/genomic, phenotypic and physiological data, and the preparation of manuscripts for publication. The project affords opportunities for international travel and training as part of an US-China international research collaboration. There is also the opportunity to design and implement additional allied projects tailored to the skills and interests of the postdoc.
We are looking for an evolutionary-minded candidate with a genomics, ecophysiological and/or population ecology background interested in a combination of field work and genomic work. Candidates that have demonstrated experience in transcriptome analysis, genetic linkage mapping, and/or population and comparative genomics are preferred. Ability to travel between field sites in Oregon and laboratory in Pennsylvania is required.
The postdoc position is for two years, renewable up to two additional years. Start date is negotiable, but June 2015 is preferred.
The project is collaboration among the labs of Dr. Tia-Lynn Ashman, Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Aaron Liston, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, and Dr. Richard Cronn US Forest Service at Oregon State University.
TO APPLY: Please send a CV and a description of your experience and interests as relevant to the position totia1@pitt.edu, along with the names and contact information for three referees. In a covering letter clearly highlight skills and experience related to key responsibilities (e.g., plant ecophysiology, transcriptome analysis, NGS library prep, statistics, bioinformatics).
Deadline for application materials is February 28, 2015.
For informal enquiries, please contact Tia-Lynn Ashmantia1@pitt.edu