Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Micah’s Lab at the Department of Biology, Howard University in Washington, DC, is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on wildlife ecology, evolution and conservation genetics. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will participate in research on the ecology, conservation and population genetics of wildlife from West and Central Africa, particularly but not limited to fish, amphibians and reptiles. Research aims will include molecular characterization, describing genomic variation across species ranges, and inferring how African wildlife populations have responded to human activities, diseases and climate change. In addition to research activities, he/she will mentor students involved in this work. Furthermore, in preparation for the postdoctoral Research Fellow to reach the next stage of their career, he/she will be involved in writing manuscripts and grants and managing the data as required by the supervisory authority.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow reports to the Principal Investigator (Dr Lotanna Micah Nneji).

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The research aims to improve understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptation of West and Central African fauna and elucidate how environmental changes such as climate change and deforestation affect the regional biodiversity. The Postdoctoral Researcher will employ a comprehensive suite of datasets, including field surveys and morphological, ecological and genetic data, to understand West and Central African fauna.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The candidate is expected to carry out ecological field surveys, document protocols and procedures in molecular laboratory analyses, be meticulous in data management, publish findings in high quality research journals, and disseminate research findings in meetings and conferences.

In addition to research, the postdoctoral fellow is expected to get proficiency in mentoring and lab management and assist in training students, while participating in professional development activities for their desired career path.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

The candidate must have his/her PhD degree before joining Howard University or ABD (all but dissertation) who can finish PhD within three months of joining this position at Howard University;

Adequate research experience demonstrated through publications in peer-reviewed journals in biological/natural sciences.

Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.

Related work experience or willingness to learn and work in one or more of the following areas: wildlife ecology, genomics, conservation genetics, molecular ecology and population genetics.

Demonstrated programming experience and fluency in one or more programming languages such as Python, R, etc.

Experience in wildlife field surveys on one or more of the following animal groups: fish, amphibians and reptiles

Competence in both oral and written English and ability to articulate concisely and professionally.

Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented interdisciplinary environment.

Applicants should have received a PhD (or similar doctoral degree) in one of the following Natural Science disciplines: Zoology, Ecology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or a similar area. Doctoral students with ABD (all but dissertation) status who can finish PhD within three months of joining this position will also be considered.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

This full-time annual appointment would be at a salary commensurate with experience and is potentially renewable for up to two years following satisfactory performance. Interested candidates should submit a 1) CV/resume, 2) cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for this position, and 3) contact information of three references (including one from their PhD supervisor, one from their current immediate supervisor if different, and one from a senior scientific collaborator) to Dr Lotanna Micah Nneji (LotannaMicah.Nneji@howard.edu). The review will start immediately until the position is filled.