COMPUTATIONAL COMPARATIVE PHYLOGENETICS A postdoctoral position is available for a project that brings computational comparative phylogenetic approaches to bear on questions in population ecology, including the prediction of unobserved life history traits based on phylogenetic context.
Candidates should have a background in computational evolutionary biology, computational ecology, statistics, or a related discipline. Requirements include 1) experience with statistical and/or mechanistic (stochastic) modeling of continuous and/or discrete characters in evolutionary models, 2) understanding of how comparative phylogenetic methods work mathematically, and 3) strong writing skills. The project draws upon compiled databases of life history traits for mammals and birds, so previous ecoinformatic research or other experience with object-oriented databases is a plus. This position, which features both theoretical and applied components, is funded via a collaborative Department of Defense (SERDP) research grant that seeks to develop quantitative approaches to the establishment of conservation targets for poorly known species that are not amenable to population viability analyses. The position will be housed in Dr. Bill Fagan's lab at the University of Maryland, College Park (http://www.clfs.umd.edu/biology/faganlab/) with an additional opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Maile Neel (alyxia.umiacs.umd.edu). This postdoc position features a competitive salary and a 24-30 month duration (depending on start date and subject to satisfactory progress). The position is available immediately, with a preferred start no later than 1 September 2010. To apply, please email a CV, brief statement of interest in this position, and the names and email addresses of three references to: Dr. Bill Fagan [email protected] Department of Biology 3235 Biology-Psychology Building University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
