Opportunities
FAPESP Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Population genomics of colonizing tropical trees in newly assembled plant communities resulting from animal seed dispersal
We are accepting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Scientist interested in working with seed rain ecology and genetics of tropical plant species. The successful candidate will investigate how animal seed dispersal affects the genetic composition of new tropical plant communities using an experimental setting to study forest regeneration. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in managing field and laboratory teams, assisting and supervising steps from seed collection to seedling germination in the greenhouse, and generating genomic and transcriptomic resources for the selected plants. The position is for 24 months with the possibility of extension for an additional 12 months. The postdoctoral researcher will be part of Dr. Marina Cortes' research group at UNESP in Rio Claro - SP and will have the opportunity to undertake a training period with Co-PI Dr. James Marden at Penn State University, USA.
This project is part of the NSF-Biota Dimensions of Biodiversity: Animal biases in fruit selection and seed dispersal as drivers of biotic filters in the assembly of successional forests and their carbon capture potential.
Responsibilities:
• Generation and analysis of genomic/transcriptomic data using bioinformatics tools
• Supervision of seed collection in the field, seed germination, and seedling development in the greenhouse
• Conducting and supervising DNA/RNA extraction from plant species leaves
• Team management
• Statistical data analysis
• Writing up reports and manuscripts for scientific publication
• Mentoring students and technicians
Requirements:
• Must reside in Rio Claro, SP, but be available for fieldwork in Paranapanema, SP, and for periods abroad at Penn State University, USA.
• Experience or strong interest in generating genomic or transcriptomic data and bioinformatics
• Experience in ecology, genetics, and evolution
• Fieldwork experience
• Molecular laboratory experience
• Good communication skills in Portuguese and English
Application:
Applicants should send an email to Marina Côrtes (marina.cortes@unesp.br) including:
• A 3 pages CV (FAPESP-style curriculum summary acceptable)
• A cover letter
• A document containing the names, relationship to the candidate, and contact information of at least two references
Pre-selected candidates may be called for an interview.
The submission deadline is February 03, 2025.
The position is open to both Brazilian and international applicants. The selected candidate will receive a FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship of R$ 12,000.00 per month (effective from 01/08/2024) and a Technical Reserve equivalent to 10% of the annual fellowship amount. More details about the fellowship and eligibility can be found at: FAPESP Post-Doctoral Fellowships.