Postdoc Evolutionary Genomics Molecular and Cell Biology

The Molecular and Cell Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Whiteman Lab, in the area of Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics. This postdoc will be part of BCI-EDGE a multi-institution project focused on the evolutionary dynamics and genomic ecology of tropical forests, with datasets and analyses from research plots in Panama, including the Barro Colorado Island.

The overarching goal is to understand the evolutionary processes that maintain tropical forest diversity. The project combines whole-genome sequencing, experimental ecology, and more than four decades of spatially explicit demographic data from one of the world’s best-studied tropical forests. Broadly, the project will test how ecological interactions, natural selection, natural enemies, hybridization, and environmental gradients shape genetic diversity, adaptation, and species coexistence in tropical tree communities.

This postdoctoral scholar will be based in Berkeley, California, and will lead large-scale population and comparative genomics projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator characterizing introgression, demographic history, and selection across species. This individual will travel periodically to Panama to interface with the other EDGE-BCI postdoctoral scholars.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position will be responsible for leading one or more large‑scale population and comparative genomics projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator in BCI-EDGE. This will include management and analysis of large genomic datasets, application of existing computational methods for analysis of population history, introgression, selection, and gene/gene family evolution. Modified and/or novel methods will be developed and applied as needed.

The position is expected to be the lead author on one or more peer‑reviewed publications and accordingly will be responsible for preparing manuscripts describing their results and contributing in a collaborative fashion to other BCI-EDGE manuscripts. The position will document analyses performed and statistical significance of findings, and regularly present progress to PI, at group meetings, and appropriate conferences. As part of the larger BCI-EDGE team, the position will communicate regularly with other investigators and postdocs on this larger team, including several trips to Panama.