The Blair lab at NYC College of Technology (City Tech/CUNY) focuses on using genomic data and sophisticated computational methods to understand evolutionary patterns and elucidate the processes giving rise to such patterns. Specific areas of focus include population genomics, molecular phylogenetics, phylogeography, species delimitation, and DNA barcoding. The lab is currently seeking a postdoctoral scholar who will work on an NSF funded project that uses multiple species of phrynosomatid lizards to understand the influence of gene flow during the diversification of arid-adapted organisms distributed throughout the major deserts of western North America. A second major goal of the project is to combine genomic data, mtDNA, morphology, and ecology to refine species limits and describe new taxa. Data will be collected from approximately 10 species/species complexes from multiple phrynosomatid genera. This project is a collaborative effort with researchers from multiple institutions with expertise in genomics, phylogenetics, and morphological analysis. The successful candidate will be given some degree of flexibility to explore related interests within the overall scope of the project. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a second year given satisfactory progress. Although the PIs laboratory is in NYC, there will be some flexibility regarding the location of postdoctoral position. However, the successful candidate must be able to periodically spend time in NYC to perform laboratory work and potentially assist in the field throughout the western US. Specific duties Assist in the collection of tissue and voucher samples in the field. Maintain databases pertaining to current tissue holdings. Collect and analyze meristic and morphometric data to aid in species delimitation. Perform standard molecular lab work (e.g. DNA extraction, quantification, PCR, sample prep for next-generation sequencing). Analyze newly obtained molecular data using recently developed software. Write manuscripts in collaboration with other researchers involved with the project. Assist in supervising undergraduate researchers. Present results at national scientific meetings. Meet with PI at least once per week to discuss progress.

A PhD degree in a relevant discipline is required prior to the official start date. Candidates should have previous experience with genomics, phylogenetic analysis, population genomics, bioinformatics, and cluster computing. Prior programming experience is not required, but would be beneficial. An interest and background in the biology of reptiles and amphibians would also be helpful, but is not required. Strong written and oral communication skills are required. Candidates should be available for periodic laboratory work. However, many other duties can be done remotely.