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A postdoctoral position is available on the Echinacea project. The postdoc will collaborate with Stuart Wagenius (Chicago Botanic Garden) and Ruth Shaw (University of Minnesota) on quantitative genetic and demographic studies of the fragmented population and associated field experiments and will have the opportunity to participate in developing evolutionary models that incorporate our accumulating understanding of genetic and demographic processes within the study system. There is considerable potential for the postdoc to develop further research projects pertinent to the overall goals of this study.
The Echinacea Project examines evolutionary consequences of population fragmentation of Echinacea angustifolia (purple coneflower) in North American prairie. This study, now in its 17th year and funded by NSF’s Evolutionary Genetics Program, joins demography of remnant populations and quantitative genetic experiments in the field with modeling efforts to shed light on the feedbacks between numerical dynamics and genetic dynamics of Echinacea, and on its interactions with insects. To learn more about this project, please consult our recent papers.
The position is offered for an initial year, with the opportunity to renew for a second year. During the summer, the postdoc will be based, along with the rest of the research team, at the field site near Alexandria MN. During the academic year, the postdoc will be based in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. Both are stimulating and interactive communities. To learn more about the project, interested individuals may email Ruth Shaw (rshaw@superb.ecology.umn.edu) or Stuart Wagenius (swagenius@chicagobotanic.org).
Apply online by submitting a letter of interest describing research interests and experience, a CV, and names and contact information of three individuals willing to send letters of reference. Review of applications will begin March 19, 2012 and continue until the position has been filled.
Required qualifications:
- Ph.D. in evolution, ecology, plant biology or related field.
- capacity to participate in field research (spring through fall) in western Minnesota
- enthusiasm for the research program
Preferred qualifications:
- experience designing and carrying out field or greenhouse experiments with plants
- experience using R statistical software
- experience with computer simulation modeling
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
