Postdoctoral Scholar, Comparative Biology

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The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Hayashi lab at the American Museum of Natural History seeks a motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct research on the population genomics of silk genes in orb‑weaving spiders. These spiders produce a variety of silk types with numerous functional differences and the genes that encode these proteins are characterized by abundant gene duplication, complicated repeat structure, extreme homogenization and convergent evolution.

We are interested in understanding the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain genomic diversity of these genes.

The project will leverage whole genome sequencing (WGS) with haplotype phasing across multiple spider populations. Spider silk genes possess complicated hierarchical organization involving SNPs, indels, repeats and paralogs, requiring multi‑dimensional measurement of molecular variation. The postdoc will also have opportunities to identify other silkome components under strong selection or pursue additional research with the available WGS data. Field collection and wet lab experiments may be included.

The expected salary for this position is $71,181 / year. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to be in residence working at the Museum.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

• Ph.D. degree with experience in the application of bioinformatics methods, particularly population genomic analyses of structural variation and selection
• Proficiency with coding and expertise in the visualization of genomic data
• Demonstrated ability to write peer‑reviewed scientific publications
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and with a team

• Familiarity with wet lab techniques, particularly RNA extraction and processing
• Experience collecting specimens in the field

Not Applicable

Full‑time

Science and Research

Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos, Museums, and Research Services

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• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Pension plan

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