This NSF DISES funded postdoctoral fellow will conduct genomic research on beaver, mink and muskrat as part of an interdisciplinary project on the North American fur trade. The project deploys a diverse methodological toolkit including ancient DNA, stable isotope analysis, zooarchaeology, morphometrics to explore how different cultural practices shaped species and ecological outcomes and how those environmental changes shaped future decisions, practices, and social dynamics.

The goal of this position is to crosstrain an individual with a traditional genomics/ bioinformatics background in ancient DNA, community engagement, and historical ecology. This postdoc will be directly supervised by Courtney Hofman at the University of Oklahoma, and with additional mentoring by Alexis Mychajliw (Middlebury College) and Torben Rick (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History), facilitating exposure to multiple research environments including archaeological field work and museum collections, while building on the postdoc’s existing strengths.

Duties:

• Collaborate with PIs and project technicians on study design and data generation.
• Work closely with the PIs and project stakeholders on collaborative activities with tribal communities and resource managers.
• Conduct bioinformatic analyses on ancient and modern furbearer genomes.
• Write manuscripts in support of the project.
• Mentor undergraduate and visiting students.
• Contribute to the LMAMR community through participation in LMAMR meetings and activities.
• Cowrite grants for additional funding and support.
• Participate in science communication endeavors.
• Develop strategies for integrating interdisciplinary datasets (isotopes, DNA, morphometrics, etc.)
• Travel for project meetings/sample collection as needed

***Interested candidates should forward their CV and cover letter to Courtney Hofman, courtney.hofman@ou.edu***