plavretsky

The Lavretsky Lab at the University of Texas at El Paso (https://www.utep.edu/science/lavretskylab/) is currently recruiting a graduate student to start in the Fall of 2021! The NSF funded PhD position will unravel genomic consequences when domesticated individuals interbreed with their wild sister taxa. The student will join a vibrant and growing research body in the Department of Biological Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Program, at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). In short, the student will work to uncover the genomic and morphological consequences from a century of interbreeding between domestic and wild mallard ducks. The student will join a multi-institutional research team, and will apply a comprehensive set of molecular techniques to geographically broad species-wide sample sets from contemporary populations, where they will work with >100 full genomes of genetically vetted pure wild mallards, domestic mallards, and their hybrids. Genetic sampling will be extended 100 to 150 years into the past using ancient DNA approaches with museum specimens. Moreover, using 3D morphometric analysis of museum specimens, as well as feeding trails with live wild and domesticated mallards, we will examine how the movement of traits associated with domesticated birds (e.g., bill morphologies that affect feeding efficacy) into wild populations may affect the adaptability of wild populations. The PhD student will be required to live in Washington D.C. for several summer months where they will work alongside Smithsonian collaborators to collect ancient DNA and 3D morphometric data. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: - B.S. Degree in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, conservation genetics, bioinformatics or a related field - Highly self-motivated, independent, and creative thinkers that are enthusiastic about pursuing a career in population, conservation, and evolutionary genetics. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - M.S. Degree in evolutionary biology, molecular biology, conservation genetics, bioinformatics or a related field - Experience in population genetics, evolutionary genetics, or molecular evolution and with molecular data - Experience with programing language such as Perl or Python - Experience with analysis of NGS sequence data APPLICATION PROCESS: To apply, please submit: a cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and experience related to, or interest in, a current CV; unofficial academic transcript; and, the name and full contact information for three references to Dr. Philip Lavretsky (plavretsky@utep.edu). Review of applications will begin November 16, 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications for a Landscape Ecologist, with a preference for a researcher that works in extreme environments including, but not limited, to the Arctic and Chihuahuan Desert, for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. We seek a colleague with the ability to engage in collaborative approaches to environmental questions with expertise in areas such as global change biology, the intersection between ecosystems and society, or ecological restoration. We particularly encourage individuals that use geospatial technologies and approaches (including GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics, and/or modelling) in their research to apply. The successful candidate is expected to develop an inclusive, independent research program and will be required to mentor and teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Anticipated appointment date is fall 2021. ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Biological Sciences is among the most active departments at UTEP and contributes to interdisciplinary programs in Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Engineering, Bioinformatics and Computational Science. The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) doctoral program supports 28 students and is growing. Existing faculty expertise includes ecological, evolutionary, biomedical, and education research fields. Core facilities include capacities for genomics, bioinformatics, and biomolecule analysis; an herbarium; a green roof; and a greenhouse. The department also manages the 38,000 acre Indio Mountains Research Station. Current EEB faculty conduct research around the world, including locally in the Chihuahuan Desert. More information is available at the Department of Biological Sciences website. ABOUT UTEP The University of Texas at El Paso is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. UTEP enrolls more than 25,000 students in 167 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in 10 colleges and schools. Set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert, the University is located at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border in one of the largest binational communities in the world. It is one of the largest and most successful Hispanic-serving institutions in the country, with a student body that is over 80% Hispanic. UTEP advances discovery of public value and positively impacts the health, culture, education and economy of the community it serves. With more than $100 million in total annual research expenditures, the University is ranked among the top 5% of colleges and universities in research and fifth in Texas for federal research expenditures at public universities, after UT Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Houston and The University of Texas at Dallas. It is also nationally recognized as a community-engaged university. The University employs approximately 4,000 faculty, staff and students. It has one of the lowest out-of-pocket costs of any research university in the U.S., underscoring its commitment to offer an exceptional education at a great value. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a Ph.D., postdoctoral experience, a strong record of research accomplishments, and the capacity to secure extramural funding. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Candidates must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vita, statement of research interest, a brief outline of their teaching philosophy, copies of three relevant authored or co-authored publications, and contact information for at least three references. For information on the position, please contact Dr. Vanessa Lougheed (vlougheed@utep.edu) with the subject line: UTEP EEB Faculty Search. To apply, please visit https://www.utep.edu/employment Hiring decisions are based upon budget approval. In keeping with its Access and Excellence mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. COS Landscape Ecologist 20-02- Ad.pdf

The University of Texas at El Paso College of Science Department of Biological Sciences Assistant Professor ĄV Evolutionary Biologist POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position for an Evolutionary Biologist. We are seeking highly collaborative candidates with expertise in the evolution of any non-model, multi-cellular animal organism, including vertebrates or insects. The department has excellent biodiversity collections offering significant opportunities for individuals who wish to serve in a curatorial role. The anticipated appointment date is fall 2020 or earlier. The successful candidate is expected to (1) establish an extramurally funded research program; (2) teach and mentor undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students; and (3) have a strong potential for collaboration across ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB). ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Biological Sciences, with doctoral programs in EEB and Bioscience, is among the most productive departments at UTEP and contributes to interdisciplinary programs in Environmental Science and Engineering, Bioinformatics, and Computational Science. Additional collaborator research and training opportunities will become available with the establishment of the new Data Science PhD in Math. Core facilities in the NIH sponsored Border Biomedical Research Center include capacities for DNA Next-Gen sequencing, bioinformatics, and statistics; Biodiversity Collections, a new state-of-the-art insectarium and multiple vivariums, and Indio Mountains Research Station provide further research opportunities. More information is available at the Department of Biological Sciences website (https://www.utep.edu/science/biology/) and the UTEP Biodiversity Collections website (www.utep.edu/biodiversity/). ABOUT UTEP: The University of Texas at El Paso is a Carnegie R1 and Community Engaged doctoral research university located in one of the largest binational communities in the world. The University enrolls more than 25,000 students, invests $91 million in research annually, and offers 170 bachelorĄŚs, masterĄŚs and doctoral degree programs in 10 colleges and schools. The University maintains an operating budget of $450 million and employs approximately 4,000 people. It has one of the lowest out-of-pocket costs of any research university in the U.S., underscoring its commitment to make education accessible to all. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, postdoctoral research experience, and a strong record of research accomplishments. APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, a brief description of teaching philosophy, and complete contact information for at least three references. To apply, please visit www.utep.edu/employment Hiring decisions are based upon budget approval. In keeping with its Access and Excellence mission, the University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services. UTEP_Evolutionary Biologist.pdf