Welcome to the Ashman Lab

CURRENT Postdoc opening:

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PEEP fellow 

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The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a 2-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Ecology and Evolution, broadly defined (e.g., disease ecology, microbiome, behavioral ecology, species interactions, phylogenomics, population genetics, community and eco-evo dynamics). The goal of the EE Postdoctoral Fellowship is to broaden expertise and to stimulate synergistic interactions between faculty interested in the area of Ecology and Evolution.The successful candidate will be expected to conduct original independent research that bridges the interests of two or more faculty members in the Ecology and Evolution sections of Biological Sciences and to lead a graduate seminar in their area of expertise each year.

Qualified candidates are required to submit a single, coherent 2-year research proposal to be completed under the guidance of two or more members of the ecology and evolution faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences of the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (https://www.biology.pitt.edu/research/ecology).  The position does not include research funds so the extent of contributions from the faculty sponsors should be addressed in the proposal. We strongly encourage candidates to contact appropriate faculty sponsors before applying. Preference will be given to candidates with novel ideas, demonstrated research ability, and strong communication skills.  Along with the research proposal, applications must include a CV, a short description of research accomplishments and a description of how your research, teaching or service demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The applicant must arrange for two recommendation letters from non-UPitt faculty, and letters from the UPitt faculty sponsors to be emailed to the address below. The expected salary will be $48,000 per year with benefits. Application deadline is April 1, with position start date June-August 2019 (specific date negotiable).

Application materials should be emailed to: Dr. Tia-Lynn Ashman at: tia1@pitt.edu. The subject line should read “EE Post-doctoral application”.

 

Plant-Virus Interactions 

 

A Postdoctoral fellow position characterizing the POLLEN VIROME in diverse flowering plants is available in the laboratory of Tia-Lynn Ashman in collaboration with James Pipas, Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.

 

The work will seek to understand the dominant ecological and evolutionary drivers of pollen virome diversity by linking plant traits, plant-pollinator interactions, geographic origin and phylogenetic history. Responsibilities include field work, RNA extraction and analysis of metagenomic data sets, bioinformatic characterization of novel viral sequences, phylogenetic analyses, phylogenetically-controlled and community-level statistical analyses; and preparation of manuscripts for publication.  There is also the ample opportunity to design and implement additional projects of mutual interest.

 

The postdoc position is initially for one year with option for renewal. Start date is negotiable, but September 2018 is preferred. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in biology, virology, ecology, evolution, microbiology or related disciplines conferred by the time of appointment. Record of publication in the peer-reviewed literature;  skills and experience in statistics, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, and/or molecular biology; demonstrated verbal and written communication skills; self-motivation, critical thinking and problem solving skills; innovative ideas and vision for collaborative research.

 

TO APPLY: Please send a CV and a description of your experience and interests as relevant to the position to tia1@pitt.edu, along with the names and contact information for three referees. In a covering letter clearly highlight skills and experience related to key responsibilities.

Informal inquiries are also welcome!

 

Review of application materials will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.