Delmore lab (delmorelab.com)
Department of Biology, Texas A&M University
Position 1: Epigenetics, seasonal migration, and conservation.
We are seeking one Postdoc to lead a project examining epigenetic signatures related to migration. The main species for this project is the Purple martin, a songbird with both short- and long-distance migrants where the relative importance of plasticity in migratory timing likely varies. Aerial insectivores like martins are in steep decline and their inability to modify their migratory behavior may be partly responsible; a question we will address here. Extensions to a second system – a hybrid zone between Swainson’s thrushes that differ in their migratory behavior – are also possible. This project will involve both molecular and bioinformatic work, generating epigenetic libraries and analyzing the subsequent data. There is also potential to contribute to fieldwork although we do already have a large dataset of individual-level tracking data that can be used, allowing the successful applicant to dig in immediately!
Collaboration: The main supervisor is Dr. Kira Delmore but this is part of a large, international collaboration with Dr. Kevin Fraser (University of Manitoba) and Dr. Pierre deVillemereuil (École Pratique des Hautes Études). This project is highly collaborative with team meetings and opportunities to visit both collaborators. The project is also supported by partnerships with government agencies (e.g., the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada).
Position 2: Structural variants, seasonal migration, and speciation.
We are seeking a second Postdoc to lead a project linking structural variants to both seasonal migration and speciation. The main study system for this project is a hybrid zone between Swainson’s thrushes that differ in their migratory behavior. This is largely a bioinformatic project; we already have individual-level tracking data for hundreds of birds. We are looking for someone to design a sequencing strategy, call and analyze structural variants. We also have quite a few additional ‘-omic’ datasets that can be used to complement results from structural variants. There is considerable flexibility in where the research questions could go, and we have existing data permitting immediate productivity!
General information for both positions:
Start Date: Flexible but the sooner the better! Two-year contracts with 1+ year extensions.
Funding: These are both fully funded positions. We have two, five-year federal grants that will support both the research and salary that go along with these positions.
Experience: PhD in biology, bioinformatics, or related fields. Experience with birds is not necessary. Previous experience with next-generation sequencing is ideal (especially with the data described above [epigenetic or structural variants]). Candidate should show evidence of past productivity (e.g., first-author pubs and/or grants).
Environment: We are a diverse, high-achieving and yet balanced group of researchers from all stages. We bring together expertise for a broad set of fields and are dedicated to providing high quality training for diverse career paths. The lab is part of the Biology Department (https://bio.tamu.edu) along with the interdisciplinary programs of Genetics (https://genetics.tamu.edu) and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (https://eeb.tamu.edu). These programs bring together members of many departments from a variety of scientific and international backgrounds. The Biology Department is in the middle of making existing expansions into evolutionary genomics (e.g., three recent hires) making it a great place to work on this topic. Texas A&M is a Tier 1 institution with a number of research facilities. College Station is a small, friendly university town located between Austin and Houston.
To apply: Please email a cover letter and CV to kdelmore@bio.tamu.edu. The cover letter should outline your research interests, motivation, and experience. The CV should include the names and emails of at least two references.