Job Abstract

The Assistant Project Scientist will be expected to lead data collection and analysis of morphological data on fishes in comparative phylogenetic analyses that focus on coral reef fish and Neotropical freshwater fishes. The candidate will review approaches for using landmark morphometrics and linear data and compare their usefulness in assessing rates of morphological evolution and studies of community assembly. The candidate will produce publications resulting from the work described above. The candidate will be expected to present their work at national or international scientific meetings and serve as a manuscript reviewer for scientific journals. Strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, mentoring capacity, and leadership qualities are essential for this position as the candidate will mentor two undergraduate student researchers each year.

Major Responsibilities:
1) Research (85%): Candidate is expected to lead the analysis of morphological data sets in phylogenetic comparative analyses of rates of evolution, relative morphospace occupation, and community assembly. Candidate will further develop the methodology for studying general patterns of morphological diversification in different ecological contexts and apply these to data sets. Candidate will produce publications reporting the results of the work described above and may submit research grants to support the development of new projects.

2) Professional competency and activity (10%): Candidate will present research locally or at national/international scientific meetings. They may also serve as a reviewer for scientific journals.

3) University and public service (5%): Candidate will participate in university service by mentoring two undergraduate or graduate student researchers per year.

Qualified applicants must have a Doctorate in Science (PhD) and at least 5 years experience post-PhD in Evolutionary Biology. Successful applicants will have a deep knowledge of comparative phylogenetic methods and the biology of fishes, including broad use of simulation to study trait evolution. Successful applicants will have several years experience conducting comparative phylogenetic analyses on continuous and discrete traits and biogeographic range, and interpreting these results. Ability to work with large phylogenies and data sets of hundreds of species is necessary. The candidate must be skilled at keeping track of analysis history and writing manuscripts and grant applications.

Published track record of experience in Evolutionary Morphology, Macroevolution in Fishes, and demonstrated mentorship success.

Experience in the analysis of rates of state-dependent multivariate continuous trait evolution in a phylogenetic context. Experience with both landmark morphometric methods and linear traits. Experience in training and supervising graduate and undergraduate student researchers. Broad knowledge of the diversity of fishes.

• 3 required (contact information only)

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