Post Doctoral Research Associate- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology: UTK
About The Position
The Post Doctoral Research Associate will develop and apply molecular and computational methods to identify the biological sources of DNA recovered from diverse sample types, including complex, degraded, and potentially mixed-source samples. Research will include sedimentary DNA (sedaDNA) and other ancient DNA from archaeological contexts, alongside contemporary DNA. The role is part of interdisciplinary projects combining genomic analyses with biocultural anthropology, species ecology, and related fields to investigate past and present relationships among people, other organisms, and their environments. The fellow will work in a state-of-the-art ancient DNA facility and a contemporary DNA laboratory, applying molecular methods and conducting bioinformatic analyses. The appointment is initially for one year as a probationary period, with continuation after a successful performance review and contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding. Funding is available for up to two years. The fellow is expected to drive projects toward publication, contribute to grant development, and engage with the broader EEB community.
Requirements
- PhD in Evolutionary Biology or a closely related field.
- Experience conducting genomic research and large-data analysis.
- Strong background in genomics and bioinformatics.
- Experience designing experiments and collecting quantitative biological data.
- Experience using Bash, Unix, and Python for large-data processing.
- Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Interest in mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, communicate scientific findings effectively, manage research projects, and contribute to a positive laboratory environment.
- Legally authorized to work full-time in the United States without requiring now or in the future sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with metagenomic datasets and software.
- Wet-lab experience conducting ancient and contemporary DNA analysis.
- Familiarity with advanced molecular methodology, such as building single-stranded and double-stranded genomic libraries.
- Experience working with or in High-Performance Computing Systems.
- Experience managing independent research projects from conception to publication.
- Interest in developing independent research questions related to animal decision making, cognition, and behavioral ecology.
Responsibilities
- Develop molecular and bioinformatic methods for identifying biological sources of DNA in diverse sample types.
- Process and analyze ancient and contemporary metagenomic samples.
- Contribute to establishing the contemporary DNA laboratory and developing molecular workflows.
- Order and oversee laboratory equipment and reagents for laboratory spaces.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and other research outputs.
- Contribute to grant applications and the development of future research projects.
- Drive research projects toward publication and engage with the broader EEB community.
Benefits
- Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities.
- Work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership are stated as university values supporting employees.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
