The Michod lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona invites applications for an NSF Rules of life supported Postdoctoral Fellow position. The general topic of the project is the evolutionary transition from unicellular to multicellular life. Evolution by natural selection requires heritable variation in fitness at the individual level. During evolutionary transitions in individuality, such as the transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms, fitness must be remapped from the cell level to the level of the multicellular group. The general goal of the project is to determine how a new genotype phenotype map arises at the cell-group level, when initially the map is present only at the cell level. The methods used in our work involve lab experiments with volvocine green algae, comparative phenomics and genomics, molecular biology, mathematical models, computer models and philosophical analysis. More information about our work can be found at http://michodlab.arizona.edu/ or https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Richard_Michod.
All interested applicants should apply. We are especially interested in candidates with molecular biology skills, such as gene expression, gene knockout and CRISPR, to investigate the genetic basis for group formation and somatic cell development in the volvocine green algae. We encourage applications from candidates who have recently completed, or will soon complete, their PhD.
Yearly renewal of the position is possible. Salary commensurate with experience and background.
To apply, email the following to Rick Michod (michod@arizona.edu(link sends e-mail)) with the subject line "NSF Postdoc application: [Your full name]:" (i) A letter briefly explaining what interests you about this project. (ii) A curriculum vitae, including a full list of publication. Pre-print articles can be included. (iii) A one-page research statement describing your research experience and future research interests. (iv) Contact information for three references.
Please contact Rick Michod (michod@arizona.edu(link sends e-mail)) for any questions. Informal inquiries are welcome.
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