Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology

National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis Tutorial: The Search for Selection

Description: Biologists are obsessed (indeed, seduced) by the search for signatures of selection in organismal features of interest, ranging from specific traits to genome-wide signatures. A vast number of approaches have been suggested in this search for selection, including genomic-based signatures of recent or ongoing selection, tests based on either excessive amounts or nonrandom patterns of divergence (in both fossil sequences and functional genomics data) and the more classical Lande-Arnold fitness estimates (direct association of phenotypic values with fitness estimates) and their modern extensions (such as aster models). Given the breadth of such searches, a large amount of machinery has been developed, but is rarely presented in a unified fashion. This tutorial presents an integrated overview of all these approaches, highlighting common themes and divergent assumptions. (see Draft Agenda for a list of lectures).

The goal of this tutorial is to expose investigators from all branches of biology to this rich menagerie of tests. It is applicable for population geneticists, genome biologists, evolutionary ecologists, paleontologists, functional morphologists, and just about any biologist who ponders on how to formally demonstrate that a feature (or features) of interest might have been shaped by selection.

Intended Audience: The intended audience is advanced graduate students, postdocs, and faculty with an interest in searching for targets of selection, be they particular genomic sequences or particular traits. Given the breadth of this topic, we expect students from functional genomics, population and evolutionary genetics, ecology, paleobiology, functional morphology, and statistics (as well as other fields). The background required is some basic introduction to population and/or quantitative genetics.

Application Deadline: February 1, 2018
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Participation in NIMBioS tutorials is by application only. Individuals with a strong interest in the topic are encouraged to apply, and successful applicants will be notified within several weeks after the application deadline. NIMBioS will cover lodging (5 nights) and provide breakfast and lunch each day at NIMBioS. If needed, limited financial support for travel expenses is available.

Assistant Professor of Statistics

Responsibilities: Teaching, Research, and Service. Candidates will teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in statistics/applied statistics, business analytics, or econometrics, given proficiency with software packages (e.g., SAS and R) and background in data science. The candidate is expected to engage in research and be able to publish in peer reviewed journals. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to meet all requirements for tenure and promotion in a program accredited by AACSB. Engagement in service activities on the departmental, college, and univeristy committee levels is also expected. Website: http://www.wiu.edu/eds.

Required Qualifications: Two tenure track positions are available requiring a PhD in Statistics/Applied Statistics, Economics with concentration in econometrics, or closely related field; with specializations in business analytics, computational statistics, data-mining, or big data analytics. While preference is given to candidates with a completed PhD by the time of appointment start date, ABDs will be considered. ABDs who have not completed the PhD within one year from their start date will receive a terminal contract.

Preferred Qualifications: Preferred candidates will have a background in statistics/applied statistics, data science, business statistics, predictive analytics, or econometrices (either through extensive study or research). Candidates should have an interest in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in business analytics, and a willingness to support curriculum in our new Business Analytics major, the Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics, as well as in Economics. Priority consideration will be given to those with evidence of teaching effectiveness and independent teaching experience, particularly in the online/hybrid format.

For a degree to be considered, it must be conferred from a regionally accredited degree-granting institution of higher education (or equivalent from an international accrediting body).

Appointment: August 16, 2018

Application: Complete applications include:

1) a letter of application
2) current curriculum vita or resume
3) the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three current professional references
4) current representative sample of research (e.g. job market paper)
5) copies of unofficial academic transcripts and any certifications/licenses required, official copies will be requested of selected candidate
6) evidence of teaching effectiveness
7) a statement detailing your teaching approach/mindset
8) a statement regarding your research agenda (maximum 500-words)

Please upload the requested documents by clicking APPLY NOW or by navigating to the WIU Employment page at the following URL http://www.wiu.edu/employment/

**Note** In order to upload Individual documents must be under 2 MB in size.

Screening will begin on December 13, 2017 and continue until the position is filled.

Assistant Professor of Geography and Asian Studies

The Pennsylvania State University invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position: a co-hire between the Department of Geography and Department of Asian Studies. The departments are seeking a human geography scholar with specialization in transnational history; Japanese cultures; media studies; and/or rights, politics, and policy. Expertise in archival research, ethnography, and cultural studies methods is expected. A successful candidate will have completed a PhD in geography, history, religious studies, or a similar field. The candidate will also contribute to extending the dual-title PhD degree in Asian Studies to the Geography doctoral program. Excellence in teaching, research, and service is expected, as is the development of an externally funded research program. To apply please upload: a letter describing your cross-discipline vision and plans for research and teaching, curriculum vitae, up to four reprints, and the names, addresses, and contact information of four potential referees. Review of applications will begin December 4, 2017, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee chair: Dr. Cynthia Brewer: cbrewer@psu.edu, 814-865-5072. Please do not email documents or completed applications to this address as they will not be considered.

Assistant Professor of Geography

Position Summary
The Department of Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is recruiting a tenure-track Assistant Professor with research interests in earth surface processes, including geomorphology, fluvial processes, hydrology, eco-hydrology, and watershed modeling. We welcome candidates who can contribute to an inclusive environment, bring new perspectives on mentoring and educating students from diverse backgrounds, implement novel approaches to research, and who value collegiality and collaboration. The position will begin August 2018.

Degree and Area of Specialization
A PhD in Geography, Geosciences, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Ecology or an allied science is required by the time of appointment.

Principal Duties
The successful applicant will be expected to develop and maintain a vibrant research program in earth system geography, advise students in the department’s graduate programs, and teach courses in geography at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The faculty member will be expected to develop a high-enrollment undergraduate course and contribute to our graduate and professional programs through teaching of an upper-level quantitative skills course in spatial analysis, remote sensing, or process-based modeling. Professional and university service is required as appropriate for career stage.

Additional Information
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We encourage women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The Department of Geography is an interdisciplinary and collaborative community of scholars engaged with the humanities, social sciences, data sciences, natural, and physical sciences and is housed within the College of Letters and Science. For more information on Geography at UW-Madison, see http://www.geography.wisc.edu. For additional information, please contact Jacqueline Wild, Department Administrator at wild2@wisc.edu or 608-262-2139. Background check will be required prior to employment. Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the applicant must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.

Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, invites applications for a tenure-stream position in Evolutionary Anthropology at the rank of Assistant Professor that will commence July 1, 2018.

Applicants must have a PhD in Anthropology or a closely related discipline by July 1, 2018, or shortly thereafter, with a research focus that complements existing faculty expertise. The successful applicant must have a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching, as demonstrated by a teaching dossier that outlines past experience and accomplishments, a teaching statement that outlines teaching philosophy and plans for future teaching, and strong letters of reference. The dossier must also provide demonstrated evidence of expertise in human skeletal biology in the context of one or more of the following: evolutionary biology, developmental biology, paleoanthropology, bioarchaeology, and bone biology, as well as evidence of an active research program that contributes to one or more of these areas, and an emerging reputation in research as demonstrated by an ability to attract external research funding, publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals with strong reputations, research in progress that targets such publication venues, and strong endorsements by referees of high international standing. Experience with indigenous community engagement, facility with crossing sub-disciplinary boundaries, and mastery over both scientific methods and ethical dimensions of research would be definite assets. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Toronto is a large, three-campus institution in a vibrant, multi-ethnic region and has a very diverse student population. The Department of Anthropology is a multi-field unit with diverse research and teaching. It has 30 full-time faculty at the St. George campus and 52 graduate faculty across its three campuses. For more information about the Department of Anthropology, please see our home page at http://anthropology.utoronto.ca.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply by clicking the link below. Applications must include a cover letter, full curriculum vitae, teaching dossier (including a statement of teaching philosophy), a brief outline of current and proposed future research interests and two samples of published work. Application materials must be submitted online. Submission guidelines are available at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply If you have questions about this position, please contact anthro.officeofthechair@utoronto.ca

Please combine attachments into one or two files in PDF or MS Word format as follows: (1) Cover letter and CV (2) teaching dossier, research statement, and sample publications.

Applicants should arrange for three referees to send letters of reference directly to Professor Edward B. Banning, Chair, Department of Anthropology, by email to anthro.officeofthechair@utoronto.ca by the closing date of January 22, 2018. If you have questions about the position, please contact anthro.officeofthechair@utoronto.ca

Professor of Social Policy

The Harvard Kennedy School invites applications for one or more tenured positions in inequality and social policy. Candidates should have distinguished records of research, a commitment to teaching in professional degree programs, and practical engagement with and interest in public policy and practice. Applications are encouraged from all relevant disciplines, including, but not limited to, economics, sociology, political science, public policy, and criminal justice.

Candidates should send a cover letter, CV and lists of references and papers and publications to: David T. Ellwood, Chair, Social Policy Search Committee, c/o Alexandra Kovalik, Coordinator, Mailbox 114, Harvard Kennedy School, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge MA 02138 or via email to: Alexandra_kovalik@hks.harvard.edu. The committee will begin reviewing candidates on December 1st. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Assistant Professor of Sociology

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning in August 2018. We seek a broadly trained sociologist with a specialization in social psychology. Preference will be given to candidates who have taught courses in social psychology or criminology. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to teaching within an undergraduate liberal arts and sciences setting. Candidates will be expected to teach courses in their area of specialization; an introductory methods course; and a statistics course (with SPSS). The methods and statistics courses are sequenced and the candidate will be expected to teach them on a rotating basis. Candidates will also be expected to teach some distance education courses and some evening courses at our North Campus. All candidates should demonstrate evidence of ongoing scholarship. Application deadline is January 5, 2018.

Minimum Qualifications/Credentials
Successful candidates will have earned a PhD in Sociology by the time of appointment.

How to Apply
Apply online at JOBS.COFC.EDU. Only electronic applications submitted via this website will be considered. Submit online: letter of application including current and projected research agenda, curriculum vitae, unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required for hiring), teaching philosophy, one representative publication, and contact information for 3 reference providers who will submit letters of recommendation online. Application deadline is January 5, 2018. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. George Dickinson, search committee chair, at socyanth@cofc.edu.

Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences

Position
The School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) who will contribute to our emphasis on family science. This position is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 9-mo. tenure-track appointment located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Qualifications
Required qualifications include a doctoral degree (PhD) in HDFS, family science, sociology, psychology, demography, or related social science field by start of employment. The successful candidates will demonstrate potential for a strong program of research, securing external funds, effective teaching, and service to the profession. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in family policy, family demography, family mental health, intergenerational relationships, or family transitions. Successful candidates will also have strong expertise using quantitative or qualitative research methods. Preferred qualifications include a minimum of 1 year of relevant post-doctoral experience; experience in collaborative interdisciplinary research as demonstrated by publication record, research projects, or previous positions; evidence of effective communication skills; and a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. (Please note that marriage and family therapy are not included in the scope of the program.)

Responsibilities
Responsibilities include establishing an independent research program through external funding, and advancing the college’s research agenda in the area of family well-being; teaching undergraduate and graduate courses; mentoring graduate students; providing service to the HDFS program, college, university, and profession.

Application Procedures
To apply, visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and search for Posting P01738UF. Please create a profile and submit your cover letter/ CV. To ensure first consideration, applications should be received by January 8, 2018. Appointment can begin September 17, 2018.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Kate MacTavish, Associate Professor and Search Chair, email kate.mactavish@oregonstate.edu; ph 541-737-9130. Address questions about the application to: Kaycee Headley, Administrative Assistant to School Heads, School of Social & Behavioral Health Sciences, email Kaycee.Headley@oregonstate.edu; ph 541-737-4765.

2018 NIA Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan expects to have an opening for a postdoctoral fellow, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This position will start on or about September 1, 2018. Applicants must have a PhD in demography, public health, or one of the social sciences (e.g., sociology, economics, psychology) by the starting date.

Applicants for the NIA position do not need to have a background in aging research (although it is desirable), however they must propose an aging-related research project which focuses on the health of the elderly or near-elderly population as part of their application.

Selection will be based on scholarly potential and compatibility with the interests of a faculty mentor. When considering applicants we will take into consideration current NIH guidelines with respect to the scope of the research the Institute supports. The NIH guidelines can be viewed here:

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-16-025.html

Fellows devote most of their time to independent research, but may also take selected courses and/or teach on a light-load basis. Positions offer exceptional opportunity for collaboration with staff of the Population Studies Center and Survey Research Center on major projects in the U.S. and overseas.

Term of appointment will be for two years, contingent on continued funding. Stipend will be commensurate with experience, based on levels mandated by NIH. Fellowships sponsored by NIA are funded by the Federal government and are therefore restricted to U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents. Applicants must be Citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States at the time of application.

Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled, with full consideration being given to those applications that are complete as of January 8, 2018.

The following application materials are required:

Letter of application
Curriculum vitae (which must include citizenship status on the first page)
1-2 page statement of research interests detailing your planned research while at PSC
Examples of written work
Also, please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly from the author to the email address below by January 8, 2018.

All application materials should be sent to: PSCPostdoctoralRecruitment@umich.edu

Applications are not considered complete until recommendation letters are received. All documents should be in PDF format and contain the applicant’s last name in the file name.

Assistant Professors, Department of Policy Analysis and Management

The Department of Policy Analysis and Management in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University is seeking to hire two Assistant Professors, one in Health and one in Applied Microeconomics. These tenure-track positions will have responsibilities of 50% research and 50% teaching and advising. The Health hire will conduct empirical research in health economics and/or health disparities. The Applied Microeconomics hire will conduct empirical research in one or more of the following areas: behavioral economics, development, economic demography, education, health, law and economics, environmental economics, labor economics, public finance, and regulation. Teaching and advising responsibilities will include support of an undergraduate major in Policy Analysis and Management, professional master’s students, and PhD programs in Policy Analysis and Management, Economics, and Sociology.

This position is in an applied multidisciplinary department with research interests in the areas of health policy, social policy and regulatory policy, with faculty members drawn from economics, sociology, public policy and other disciplines. The research environment offers ample opportunity for faculty cooperation and interactions, both within the department and across the university.

Qualifications: A PhD in economics, public policy, sociology, public health, or other appropriate field is required.

Application Process: To apply, please submit a curriculum vitae, a sample of research, and three letters of recommendation through https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/9983. Please contact the Search Committee Chair, Sean Nicholson (sean.nicholson@cornell.edu), with any questions. Cover letters can be addressed to: Rosemary Avery, Department Chair, Department of Policy Analysis and Management, 2301G MVR Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4401.

We will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.