A postdoctoral researcher position is available in Dr. Daniel Bolnick’s research group (https://bolnicklab.wordpress.com), in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Connecticut. The EEB department (https://eeb.uconn.edu ) is an engaging work environment, including multiple labs interested in host-parasite evolutionary ecology, and a closely allied Molecular and Cellular Biology department with evolutionary and immunology faculty. The Bolnick lab has identified naturally evolved variation in stickleback fishes’ resistance to a severe cestode parasite (Weber et al 2017 American Naturalist; Weber et al 2017 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences), including the evolution of a protective but costly immune response. This postdoctoral position is intended to pursue creative basic research related to the evolution and ecology of host defense and parasite immune evasion. Open questions include but are not limited to the ecological and historical context that favors versus inhibits the evolution of costly immune responses, measuring selection and cost/benefit relationships, or parasite counter-adaptations. Activities may include some combination of field manipulative experiments on stickleback, community ecology research, laboratory experimental immune challenges, genetics, or immunology, as well as data analysis and publication. The precise goals of this position are flexible, to be defined collaboratively by the PI (Dan Bolnick) and postdoc. Duration: The position is available two years, with extensions contingent on funding availability. Start dates are negotiable; the position is available immediately. Compensation: Starting salary will be between $48,000, plus excellent health benefits. Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD in evolutionary biology, ecology, genetics, or immunology. Prior experience with parasitology, molecular genetics, or immunology is beneficial. Previous research experience and publications should demonstrate a commitment to basic research, creativity, good work ethic, lab skills, organizational ability, and publication productivity. Applications should electronically submit a single pdf file containing the following, in order: 1) An approximately two page cover letter. The first page summarize your research achievements to date, including relevant skills. The second page should outline a vision of what you would be interested in doing in the Bolnick Lab, and how this fits into your career goals. 3) CV 4) A copy of two publications or submitted manuscripts. 3) A list of three references, with contact information (email, telephone, and mailing address). We will request letters directly from these references, after identifying top candidates.
The application file should be emailed to Dr. Daniel Bolnick ( daniel.boln...@uconn.edu ). Include the subject line "Ecological Immunology Postdoc: <YOUR NAME>". Applications must be received by December 1, 2018 for full consideration, though the position is open until filled. For questions about this position, please email Dr. Bolnick (daniel.boln...@uconn.edu). For information about the Bolnick Lab (presently at the University of Texas, moving to Connecticut this summer), visit the lab website (https://bolnicklab.wordpress.com ), lab photostream (https://www.flickr.com/photos/98765823@N08/albums), and Dr. Bolnick’s Google Scholar page (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cfwxm0AAAAAJ&hl=en). The University of Connecticut is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants with questions about disability services can privately discuss their application with the University of Texas Disability Services Office (http://sites.utexas.edu/disability/ ).
