The Weisrock Lab of the Biology Department in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky is looking for a full-time postdoc to join the lab and work on research related to ongoing phylogenetic and/or population genetic projects. Ongoing research projects in the lab include studying how hybridization and gene flow influence genome structure across a radiating clade of lemurs and developing conservation genetic tools for endangered newts. The hired postdoc would also have opportunities to participate in the development of new research projects. The Weisrock Lab research program comprises a broad range of interests, with no one major research focus, or taxonomic system. Generally, we use DNA sequence data to study patterns of genetic variation within and between species, and we use these data to learn more about the histories and processes that have shaped these patterns. This includes very fine-scale studies of variation within species to learn, for example, how changing environments or human-mediated factors are influencing populations, to the comparison of genomic data from divergent species separated by millions of years to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and learn something about species diversification. PhD Required.
The successful candidate will have be able to lead a research project while working closely with the rest of the lab to facilitate normal operations. Employ leadership skills working with undergraduate and graduate students, providing help with lab organization, meetings, and activities as well being comfortable working independently & on a team. Ideally, the successful candidate will have experience with computational methods (basic scripting and running packages in R or Python, and familiarity with common phylogenetic and population genetic programs) and will have a research publication record that aligns and/or complements the research program of the Weisrock Lab.
The University of Kentucky is a research-intensive (R1) institution located in Lexington, a city with many opportunities for outdoor adventures, arts, and culture. The University of Kentucky is an excellent place to be a postdoc, with a favorable cost-of-living: salary ratio, as well as many other labs engaged in exciting evolutionary research. Our lab is part of a large, diverse Biology Department with ~30 tenure-track faculty, ~12 postdocs, and ~50 graduate students. We expect new postdocs to be active members of this collaborative and supportive environment. The Weisrock lab is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive lab environment. Applications from candidates with related scientific interests who are also passionate about STEM are strongly encouraged.
The start date is flexible, and as soon as August 2024. Funding is available for one year with the possibility to renewal based on performance and available funding. The University of Kentucky provides benefits which are fully described at
https://regs.uky.edu/sites/default/files/2023-07/AR5-12018FINAL2.pdf.
Applicants must include the following: 1) Cover letter describing your interest & fit for this position, and 2) current CV. In addition please, email the names and contact information for two references to david.weisrock@uky.edu
Questions about this position should be addressed to Dr. Dave Weisrock, Department Chair, Department of Biology (david.weisrock@uky.edu)
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
