Postdoctoral opportunity to study temporal genomic variation in fish populations
The laboratory of Nina Overgaard Therkildsen at Cornell University is looking for a highly motivated postdoc to help advance different research projects focused on tracking genomic change over time in exploited or threatened fish populations. Time-series of samples collected repeatedly from the same population provide powerful opportunities for studying rapid adaptation and demographic changes at a level of precision that can not be achieved with single snapshot observations. We use low-coverage whole genome sequencing of archived samples collected over the past century to examine how fishing pressure, climate change, and various management measures have affected fish populations. Current projects focus on Atlantic cod and Atlantic silverside, but there will also be opportunities for the postdoc to start up new projects on additional species, including inland sport fish.
Qualifications: Candidates should have completed or be within 6-10 months of completing a PhD in evolutionary genetics, molecular ecology, bioinformatics or a related field. We are looking for a creative and talented scientist with a good publication record and excellent organizational and communication skills. The successful candidate must have a strong computational background and previous experience with analyzing large population genomics data sets. Experience working in the Unix environment is essential and familiarity with one or several programming languages is highly desirable. The candidate will be expected to contribute to securing funding through fellowship and grant applications.
The position will be based in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University (the start date is flexible). Interested candidates should send their CV, a description of their motivation and research interests and contact information for three references to Nina Overgaard Therkildsen (nt246@cornell.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.