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We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to join an NSF-funded project on urban evolution, led by Professors Brad Cosentino and James Gibbs. This project aims to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms that maintain urban-rural clines in phenotypic traits, with coat color in eastern gray squirrels as the model system.

The position is fully remote for six months and will focus on writing two manuscripts based on existing data. The first manuscript will explore how non-adaptive evolutionary processes influence the strength of urban-rural clines in squirrel melanism across more than three dozen cities. The postdoc will use camera trap and citizen science observations to investigate how forest fragmentation and barriers to gene flow shape these clines. The topic for the second manuscript will be determined based on the candidate’s interests and data availability. Potential areas of inquiry for the second paper include:

+ Effects of urbanization and coat color on antipredator behavior (e.g., flight initiation distance trials)

+ Comparisons of activity patterns between squirrel color morphs and carnivore predators

+ Comparisons of heavy metal concentrations between color morphs

+ Drivers of intracity variation in coat color prevalence

This is a full-time, remote position with a 6-month appointment. There is the possibility of extension, contingent on funding availability. We will also consider part-time appointments for candidates who have other part-time commitments. Compensation is $35,000 for six months, with benefits.

Questions can be addressed to Brad Cosentino ( [email protected] ). Review of applications begins immediately and will be on a rolling basis.

Required qualifications:

+ PhD in evolutionary ecology or related fields

+ Strong track record of publishing scientific research

+ Familiarity with urban evolutionary biology and wildlife biology.

+ Strong ability to work independently, take initiative in moving a research project forward, and effectively manage time to meet deadlines in a remote environment

Desirable qualifications:

+ Strong data management, analysis, and coding skills in R

+ Experience working with hierarchical models of wildlife abundance/occupancy

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

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