Post Doc Research Scientist - Lichens

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Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
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The Grainger Bioinformatics Center of the Collections, Conservation, and Research Division at the Field Museum is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate for a full-time, two-year position, with the possibility of extension.

This privately funded (non-government) position focuses on advancing research in the comparative genomics and population genomics/phylogenomics of lichen symbioses, particularly involving non-model organisms and complex symbiotic systems.

Project Scope

This position offers an exciting opportunity to explore evolutionary diversification, population structure, and genomic adaptation in lichens, with an emphasis on fungal symbionts and their interactions with algal and bacterial partners. The research leverages whole-genome sequencing, target enrichment, and RADseq to investigate co-evolution, genomic convergence, and ecological specialization across taxonomic and geographic scales.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze genomic datasets, including assembly, annotation, and comparative analysis of symbiont genomes.
• Develop and apply workflows for phylogenomic inference, population structure analysis, and species delimitation.
• Collaborate on sequencing, data integration, and interpretation of multi-omic datasets.
• Contribute to manuscript writing, presentations, and broader dissemination of research outcomes.
• Participate in mentoring and training undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

Qualifications:

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in genomic data analysis, especially in comparative or population genomics.
• Proficiency in one or more scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, Perl, Bash).
• Familiarity with standard bioinformatics pipelines for sequence analysis, genome assembly, and variant analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RADseq, target enrichment, or metagenomic sequencing approaches.

• Background in fungal biology, lichenology, or symbiotic systems.

• Interest in molecular evolution, non-model organisms, and integrative evolutionary analysis.

Mentorship and Expectations

• The position includes support and career development under a formal Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan.
• The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish at least one lead-author manuscript per year and to contribute to collaborative publications.
• The position is based at The Field Museum in Chicago, and active on-site participation is expected.

Pay: 48,000/Annually

Apply online at:

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/careers

Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

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The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

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