Postdoctoral Associate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. The position focuses on comparative and experimental studies of gene regulatory networks underlying color pattern plasticity and evolution in butterflies, using RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and CRISPR-based approaches.

The role is in-person and requires relocation within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY, with responsibilities divided between research (85%) and

Qualifications

• PhD in a biological sciences discipline with molecular genetics experience.
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing and data analysis.
• Familiarity with evo-devo gene regulation literature; CRISPR and transgenic methods desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comparative and experimental studies on gene regulatory networks underlying color pattern evolution.
• Use RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq to identify genes and regulatory sequences.
• Experimentally assess candidate elements using CRISPR and transgenic approaches.
• Write and publish research articles and present findings at meetings.

Skills

RNA-seq

ATAC-seq

ChIP-seq

CRISPR

Transgenic methods

Education

PhD in biological sciences

Job description

Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Postdoctoral Associate

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function

The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct comparative and experimental studies on gene regulatory networks underlying color pattern plasticity and evolution in butterflies. The individual will use methods such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and ChIP-seq to identify genes and regulatory sequences that underlie color pattern diversity, and experimentally assess candidate elements using CRISPR and transgenic approaches.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY.

Anticipated Division of Time

Research (85%): The Postdoctoral Associate will play a leading role in conducting experimental and comparative work to understand how changes in gene regulatory elements underlie butterfly wing pattern evolution. They will be expected to come to the position having some experience in both computational and bench approaches but can be trained in molecular methods such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and CRISPR genome editing. The Postdoctoral Associate will work independently but will also contribute to intellectual interactions within the lab and potentially with collaborators in other labs.

Writing (15%): The postdoctoral Associate will be expected to write and publish research articles to scientific journals and to present their work at professional meetings and conferences.

This position formally begins as a one-year appointment, and is renewable for up to five years contingent upon funding, available work and annual performance reviews.

Requirements

A PhD in a biological sciences discipline and experience in molecular genetic techniques including high throughput sequencing and data analysis. Strong familiarity with the evo-devo and gene regulation literature would be desirable, as would be experience with CRISPR and transgenic methods.

Supervision Exercised

May provide oversight to federal work study students and/or undergraduate researchers. There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointments to academic positions require candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct. Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $63,480.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary unless otherwise noted)
• Unique applicable skills.