The laboratories of Todd Blackledge and Ali Dhinojwala, two of our collaborators on the evolution of silk material properties in bark spiders (Caerostris), the toughest biological material known, are looking for a postdoc! The postdoc add below.
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The University of Akron’s Biology Department is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position to conduct research on the material properties and structures of spider silk & webs in the Blackledge & Dhinojwala laboratories.
We seek a postdoctoral researcher interested in an NSF funded interdisciplinary research project aiming to understand the evolutionary origins of the world’s toughest spider silk and its function in giant webs spun by Darwin’s bark spider. The successful applicant will join a team of researchers that combines expertise in transcriptomics of silk genes, physiology of silk glands, material properties of spider silks, and ecological function of spider webs to study silk and web evolution within the genus Caerostris. The primary responsibilities of the position include characterizing the material properties of silks and finite element modelling of orb webs. The successful applicant will be eager to work in a highly integrative and interdisciplinary setting, with opportunities for training in both biological and materials research and to interact with the university’s Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center. Applicants are therefore encouraged from diverse backgrounds in biology, engineering and materials science. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and a demonstrated track record of peer reviewed publications. The position offers a bi-weekly salary of $1,615.38 plus benefits. The funding for this temporary position is available for up to two years.
Lab websites:
For more information please contact Todd Blackledge (blackledge@uakron.edu) Applications should include a cover letter, cv, and contact information for three references. Review of applications begins on December 11th and will continue until the position is filled. For complete details and to apply please visit: http://www.uakron.edu/jobs. Job ID# 10519
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