Post Doctoral Research Associate- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology: UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

11d • Onsite

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 and other ancient DNA from archaeological contexts and will contribute to interdisciplinary projects combining genomic analyses with biocultural anthropology, species ecology, and related fields to investigate relationships between people, other organisms, and their environments.

The position involves laboratory work in a state-of-the-art ancient DNA facility and a contemporary DNA laboratory, as well as bioinformatic analyses. The associate will help establish the contemporary DNA laboratory and develop molecular workflows, process and analyze ancient and contemporary metagenomic samples, and contribute to interdisciplinary research. The fellow is expected to drive projects toward publication, contribute to grant development, mentor students, and engage with the broader Ecology & Evolutionary Biology community.

The anticipated start date is January 19, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Funding is available for two years, contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding. The initial appointment is for one year and serves as a probationary period; continuation depends on a successful performance review. There may be opportunities to pursue additional grant funding to support continued appointment.

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.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, communicate scientific findings effectively, manage research projects, and contribute to a positive laboratory environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without now or future need for 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 projects toward publication and engage with the broader EEB community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree