I am seeking a post-doctoral collaborator to join my lab group in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Rice University (Houston, TX). We study population dynamics, plant-animal interactions, and evolutionary ecology; see the lab website for general information about what we do: http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~tm9/. The post-doc will lead the development of a new project on sex-structured population dynamics in dioecious plants. Specific research questions are focused on the causes of geographic clines in sex ratio, the demographic processes that generate range boundaries, and how sex-structured populations will respond to climate change. Papers related to this project are provided below.
The ideal candidate will have field experience in plant or animal demography and be excited about combining field data and structured demographic models (matrix-based or integral projection). Strong quantitative and computational skills, including working knowledge of R (or interest in learning it), are required. Experience with GIS and basic molecular techniques (DNA extraction and PCR amplification) are pluses. The candidate must be willing to travel throughout the southern Great Plains for field work during our spring and fall field seasons. There will be opportunities for collaborative grant-writing. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential. The focal project on sex-structured population dynamics is in the early stages of development and there is potential for the postdoc to guide the trajectory of the research. In addition, there will be time and resources available for the postdoc to develop other projects that suit our mutual interests. Thus, I am looking for someone that can bring their own ideas and expertise to the collaboration. In addition to scientific qualifications, I value enthusiasm, engagement, and leadership. The postdoc will be expected to be an interactive departmental citizen and help train a fantastic group of graduate and undergraduate students in our lab. I also value diversity, and members of groups under-represented in science are particularly encouraged to apply. Funding is available for up to two years. The preferred start date is early 2013 but later may be possible. To apply, submit a CV, a statement of research interests (including summary of dissertation research and vision for future research directions), one representative publication, and the names and contact information for three references. These materials and any questions about the position should be directed to me ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin October 1, 2012. Related papers. (Note that these papers are based on theoretical and laboratory approaches. The new work will transfer these ideas to field systems.) Miller, T.E.X. and B.D. Inouye. 2011. Confronting two-sex demographic models with data. Ecology 92:2141-2151 Miller, T.E.X., A.K. Shaw, B.D. Inouye, and M.G. Neubert. 2011. Sex-biased dispersal and the speed of two-sex invasions. American Naturalist 177:549-561
