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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Hamilton Lab (http://jillahamilton.com/index.html) at The Pennsylvania State University (https://psu.edu) is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to an NSF Plant Genome funded research program aimed at studying the role of hybridization to climate adaptation and the evolution of species barriers using Populus as a model system. The researcher will analyze full-genome resequencing data from Poplar clones of mixed ancestry (P. trichocarpa x P. balsamifera) alongside phenotypic data (phenology and other), and climatic data from Poplar planted in replicated common gardens established in arboreta across the United States as part of the PopUpPoplar Network (http://popup-poplars.com/index.html). The post-doctoral position is highly interdisciplinary, with the potential to combine phenotypic data across a broad range of environments and genome resequencing to identify regions of the genome that contribute disproportionately to phenotypic differences across varying ancestral backgrounds and environments. The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant and complement the Hamilton Lab’s broad interests in understanding the genomic basis of adaptation, the role of hybridization to adaptation, and the evolution of species barriers in forest tree systems.

This is a term position funded for one year from date of hire with an excellent possibility of re-funding for multiple additional years. This position will be located at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park in State College, Pennsylvania.

Education and Experience:

The position requires a Ph.D. in forestry, evolutionary biology, population genomics, speciation, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. The postdoc will work closely with the PI, collaborators, and lab personnel to lead research in the lab and field on the role of hybridization to climate adaptation. Familiarity with analyzing whole-genome resequencing data and expertise using and trouble-shooting bioinformatic tools, as well as experience using Unix or Linux environments is required. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to analyze genomic, phenotypic and climatic datasets, lead preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, present findings from the research project, and contribute to outreach associated with the project. In addition, there will be ample opportunity to pursue research questions besides those of the particular study. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines, identify and troubleshoot promising new methodologies independently, and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel, exciting questions.

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in evolutionary and ecological genomics

• Expertise in analysis of genomic or transcriptomic datasets

• Programming for bioinformatics, biostatistics, and simulations

• Quantitative genetics, GWAS, or gene expression studies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Application Requirements:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing research interests and experience, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references to https://hr.psu.edu/careers. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field and be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire . Informal inquiries are welcome – contact Jill Hamilton ( jvh6349@psu.edu ).

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