Postdoctoral Research Associate, Biological Anthropology

The Living Earth Collaborative and Department of Anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis (https://anthropology.wustl.edu/) are seeking a highly qualified and motivated postdoctoral research associate to join their Madagascar Initiative under the direction of Drs. Emily Wroblewski and Krista Milich.

This person will join our project studying the impacts of habitat disturbance, fragmentation, and isolation in diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema) and black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) in Madagascar. The successful candidate will be expected to be based in St. Louis and will process fecal samples that have been collected at two field sites in Madagascar for host genetic and gut microbiome composition, organize and analyze data, and write scientific manuscripts and grant applications. The post-doctoral scholar may also supervise students and/or research assistants as needed. Applicants for this position should have experience with DNA extraction and NGS data generation and analysis. The successful candidate will also, ideally, have previous experience with gut microbiome methodologies for data generation and analysis. Previous work with lemur samples is a plus but not required.

The position is funded for two years. The start date for the position is somewhat flexible, but ideally between January and May 2023. Qualified candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Anthropology, Biology, Genetics/Genomics, or a related field by the time of appointment. The selected candidate will be offered an initial contract for one year, with anticipated renewal for a second year based on satisfactory performance.

Application Instructions
Informal inquiries are welcome. Interested applicants should email application materials as one single PDF file saved with your first and last name to Emily Wroblewski (emily.wroblewski@wustl.edu). Please include a cover letter (summarizing your research interests and goals, expertise, and relevant skills), CV, and contact information for three references in the PDF. Please put “Madagascar Initiative Postdoc” as the subject line of your email.

Review of applications will begin 1 November 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those underrepresented in their academic fields. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or genetic information.