Postdoctoral Scholar in Population and Functional Genomics

POSITION SPECIFICS

A Postdoctoral Scholar appointment is available in the López‑Uribe lab at The Pennsylvania State University to work on an NSF‑funded project investigating sensory biology evolution in pollinators. The person in this position will be in charge of genome assembly and annotation and the detection of signatures in olfactory gene receptors. The postdoc is expected to complete the work and disseminate results via peer‑reviewed publications within the timeframe of the position.

There will also be opportunities to be involved in engagement and outreach work transferring research outputs from this project to the general public. Evidence of bioinformatic skills is required for the position. The candidate should demonstrate a strong publication record, as well as evidence of effectively working in teams and mentoring students.

Qualified candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in biology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, or related fields of study. The successful candidate must have completed all Ph.D. degree requirements by the appointment date. The applicant must have strong bioinformatics skills and experience analyzing genomic data. The person in this position will be involved in grant writing, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach activities.

The position is open to anyone with the legal ability to begin working in the U.S. This position will be located at Penn State in University Park, PA (Penn State’s main campus).

Applications will be reviewed by February 28, 2026.

Interested applicants should submit the following documents:

• 1) a brief statement (up to 2 pages) describing relevant previous research experience and interests in working in the lab and as part of this project. Please address point‑by‑point how your previous experience relates to the responsibilities detailed in the job description.
• 2) curriculum vitae (include experience in both research and outreach/extension)
• 3) contact information for three references willing to provide letters of recommendation.

Please send any questions regarding the position to Margarita López‑Uribe with the subject line: “Postdoctoral Scholar Appointment in Population and Functional Genomics”. This position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (

Note:

For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

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