POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – Population Genomics, UC Davis

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER Population Genomics & Adaptive Introgression Among African Malaria Vector Species Join an interdisciplinary research program investigating the evolutionary genomics of Africa’s most important malaria vectors. We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate interspecific hybridization, gene flow, and adaptive introgression among members of the Anopheles gambiae species complex Research will involve the application of cutting-edge long-read sequencing and population genomic approaches. THE RESEARCH Closely related Anopheles species frequently occur in sympatry and, despite strong reproductive isolation, do exchange genetic material in nature. This project will use PacBio HiFi and other long-read genomic technologies to resolve the genomic architecture of species boundaries and determine how adaptive genetic variation moves across them. Research will focus on: • Interspecific hybridization and gene flow within the Anopheles gambiae complex • Adaptive introgression and the movement of advantageous alleles across species boundaries • Long-read genome assembly and haplotype resolution • Discovery and characterization of structural variation, including inversions and other complex genomic variants • Population genomic and phylogenomic analysis of species differentiation and genomic barriers to gene flow • The evolutionary history of loci associated with insecticide resistance, environmental adaptation, and vector biology • Integration of genomic, geographic, ecological, and phenotypic data to understand adaptation in malaria vectors RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate will contribute to the development and analysis of high-quality genomic resources and population datasets and will have substantial latitude to develop independent research questions. Methods may include: PacBio HiFi sequencing • haplotype-resolved assembly • structural variant discovery • pangenomics • population genomics • phylogenomics • demographic inference • introgression analysis • selection scans • computational genomics QUALIFICATIONS Required • Ph.D. in population genetics, evolutionary biology, genomics, computational biology, entomology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field • Demonstrated research experience in genomics, population genetics, or evolutionary biology • Strong quantitative and analytical skills Preferred • Experience with long-read sequencing, particularly PacBio HiFi • Genome assembly or structural-variant analysis • Experience detecting gene flow, admixture, or introgression • Proficiency in R, Python, Linux/HPC, or comparable computational tools Experience with mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles is valuable but not required. We welcome candidates bringing expertise from evolutionary genomics, computational biology, or population genetics who are excited to apply their skills to vector-borne disease biology. SIGNIFICANCE Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in underserved communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding how malaria-vector species evolve, exchange genetic variation, and adapt to their environments is essential for anticipating changes that may influence malaria transmission and vector control. This research sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, vector biology, and global health, providing an opportunity to address fundamental questions about species evolution while contributing to the scientific foundation for sustainable malaria control and elimination. JOIN US

Location: University of California, Davis

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher

Start Date: ASAP

Duration: Two years minimum

Application Deadline: Open until filled

To apply: Submit a CV, brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to vectorgeneticslab@gmail.com.

Questions? Contact: Christine Coleman, Executive Assistant| cmhandy@ucdavis.edu 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment and encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.