Beca postdoctoral con pinzones de Darwin

Co-evolution of Darwin's Finches and parasites

The Clayton Lab (darwin.biology.utah.edu) at the University of Utah in Salt
Lake City is seeking a highly motivated postdoc for an NSF-funded project
concerning Darwin's Finches and their parasites. The project, which is based
in Utah and the Galapagos Islands, is at the interface of co-evolutionary
ecology, immunology, behavior, and conservation biology. Although Darwin¹s
Finches are one of the most famous examples of adaptive radiation, we know
relatively little about the role of parasites and pathogens in their
ecology, behavior and evolution. Unfortunately, finch populations have
recently come under serious threat from the introduced tropical nest fly
Philornis downsi. A better understanding of this parasite is urgently
needed because of the danger it poses to these iconic birds. The overriding
goals of this project are: 1) to conduct rigorous tests of the impact of P.
downsi and other parasites on Darwin's Finches; and 2) to determine the
ability of the finches to defend themselves against parasites. The project
will focus on interactions between P. downsi and the Medium ground finch
(Geospiza fortis) on Santa Cruz Island; however, we will also study
interactions between other species of finches and their parasite
communities. We hope that this work will help conservation biologists
protect Darwin's Finches from invasive parasites and pathogens in the
future.

The postdoctoral position is renewable annually for up to three years,
depending on performance and funding. The salary starts at $35,000 per
year, plus benefits. We are interested in candidates with experience
working under physically demanding field conditions. A background in
experimental design and statistical analysis is essential, and some
experience with population or epidemiological modeling is a plus.
Experience with birds and parasites/pathogens is desirable, but not
essential. Strong communication skills and experience mentoring graduate and
undergraduate students are also desirable. Proficiency in Spanish (spoken
and written) is a definite plus.

To apply, send a single email file with the items listed below to Dr. Dale
Clayton,
c/o Alyssa Farley at: alyssafarley@bioscience.utah.edu
1) CV including info on publications, field experience, and analytical
skills
2) One page statement of research interests and future goals
3) Names & contact info (incl telephone numbers) of 3-5 referees who are
familiar with the applicant's past research and skills.

Review of applications will start in mid-June and continue until a suitable
candidate is found. The position could start as early as August, 2008. The
University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Dale H. Clayton, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Biology, Univ. of Utah
257 South 1400 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Voice: 801-581-6482; Fax: 801-581-4668




Dale Clayton <clayton@biology.utah.edu>