Dear Ecolog, A postdoctoral fellowship is available for a highly qualified individual to join the McKenna lab at the University of Memphis to work on a 3-year NSF-funded project examining phylogeny and evolution of the weevil family Curculionidae, a lineage of phytophagous beetles comprising >51,000 described extant species in ~4,600 genera. Research in the McKenna lab is focused on molecular phylogenetics, genomics and evolution of beetles, and the evolutionary-ecology of insect-plant interactions.
The project involves a large international team of experts in weevil biology and biogeography, taxonomy and systematics, morphology and fossils, genomics, and evolution, as well as experts in phylogenomics and phylogenetic methods. This team will reconstruct the phylogeny of weevils and establish a temporal framework for weevil diversification through analyses of phylogenomic and morphological data from a large sample of exemplar taxa. The resulting data and phylogenies will be used to test long-standing hypotheses about weevil relationships and evolution. The successful candidate will assist McKenna with molecular lab work and analyses (~25% of time), and is responsible for coding and analysis of morphological data in close collaboration with McKenna and other project senior personnel, developing interactive web-based keys, developing and maintaining databases of specimen and character data, writing papers with collaborators, and assisting McKenna with outreach and education activities (together ~75% of time). The position is based at the University of Memphis, but includes opportunities for travel (national and international) to work with other project senior personnel. The position offers a competitive salary plus benefits. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for up to 3 years provided annual reviews show satisfactory progress. The preferred start date is in August 2014, but an earlier date may be possible, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Minimum Position Qualifications · A Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, insect systematics or a related field (advanced ABDs may be considered if degree completion is imminent) · Experience with morphological systematics of insects (ideally beetles) · A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals · Strong interpersonal, computational and quantitative skills, including a proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team Desired Qualifications: (Ideal applicant; applicants with a subset of these skills will be considered) · Experience working with beetles (especially weevils) · Experience working with large morphological data sets using MX or similar · Experience with standard molecular techniques and phylogenetic analyses (or a willingness to learn) To apply, you will need to submit a cover letter stating your research accomplishments and interests, qualifications relevant to the position, a curriculum vitae, two representative publications, and the names and contact information for three references (submit at: https://workforum.memphis.edu/postings/7267). Specific questions relating to the position should be directed to Duane McKenna ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). Review of applications will begin June 25, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Memphis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. ----------------------------------- Duane D. McKenna Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences Associate, Program in Bioinformatics Associate, W. Harry Feinstone Center for Genomic Research University of Memphis 3774 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38152 phone: (901) 678-1386 email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> website: https://umdrive.memphis.edu/dmckenna/public/index.html -----------------------------------
