Postdoctoral Research Associate

Society for Conservation Biology; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct genomic research on beavers, minks, and muskrats. The role involves collaboration on study design, bioinformatic analyses, and community engagement, contributing to an interdisciplinary project on the North American fur trade.

Qualifications

• Strong background in population genetics and bioinformatics.
• Experience analyzing whole genome datasets.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on study design and data generation.
• Engage with tribal communities and resource managers.
• Perform bioinformatic analyses on ancient and modern genomes.

Skills

Population Genetics

Bioinformatics

Education

PhD in Life Sciences

Tools

Genomics

Ancient DNA

Job description

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Sector:

Academic / Research

Field:

Informatics / GIS

Discipline:

Ecology

Job Level:

Postdoctoral Fellow

Employment Type:

Fellowship

Organization:

This NSF DISES funded postdoctoral fellow will conduct genomic research on beaver, mink, and muskrat as part of an interdisciplinary project on the North American fur trade. The project employs methodologies including ancient DNA, stable isotope analysis, zooarchaeology, and morphometrics to explore cultural and ecological impacts and their influence on social dynamics.

Position Goals:

To cross-train an individual with a genomics/bioinformatics background in ancient DNA, community engagement, and historical ecology. The postdoc will be supervised by Courtney Hofman at the University of Oklahoma, with mentorship from Alexis Mychajliw (Middlebury College) and Torben Rick (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History). This role involves archaeological fieldwork, museum collections, and skill development.

Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate on study design and data generation with PIs and technicians.
2. Engage with tribal communities and resource managers.
3. Perform bioinformatic analyses on ancient and modern genomes.
4. Write manuscripts supporting the project.
5. Mentor undergraduate and visiting students.
6. Participate in LMAMR community activities.
7. Assist in grant writing for additional funding.
8. Contribute to science communication efforts.
9. Develop strategies for integrating interdisciplinary datasets.
10. Travel for project meetings and sample collection as needed.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to Courtney Hofman at [e-mail].

Qualifications:

• PhD in Life Sciences (preferably genomics, evolutionary biology, or conservation biology).
• Strong background in population genetics and bioinformatics.
• Experience analyzing whole genome datasets.
• Experience with ancient or degraded DNA (preferred but not required).

Additional Information:

Applicants will need to comply with The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. Details available at https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

At OU, we promote an inclusive culture emphasizing respect, diversity, and access, enriching our community and fostering innovation and collaboration.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

The University of Oklahoma adheres to all applicable laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Additional Details:

Organization: Anthropology

Location: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Mar 7, 2025