What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher - Evolutionary Genomics position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
The Ahmed-Braimah Lab invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research program focused on the evolutionary genomics of Drosophila. The successful candidate will lead computational and integrative genomics research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of evolutionary divergence, reproductive interactions, and speciation across the Drosophila genus. This position offers exceptional opportunities for scientific independence, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and preparation for a career in academia or advanced research.
Understanding how genomes evolve and how genetic divergence results in biological differences—including reproductive incompatibilities, sex-specific traits, and hybrid dysfunction—is a core problem in evolutionary biology. The Ahmed-Braimah Lab leverages Drosophila as a powerful comparative genomic system to dissect the molecular processes underlying these phenomena. Species in the D. virilis subgroup, in particular, provide a unique opportunity to study rapidly evolving reproductive traits, tissue-specific gene expression, post-mating interactions, gametic incompatibilities, and hybrid sterility—all within a tractable genomic framework.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead computational analyses of multi-omic datasets from multiple Drosophila species and populations, coupled with molecular genetics experiments. The exact project focus can be tailored to the researcher’s expertise and interests. Researchers with backgrounds in computational biology, evolutionary genomics, or Drosophila genomics are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Not applicable.
Tools/Equipment
Not applicable.
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a curriculum vitae and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Ahmed-Braimah Lab invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a dynamic and interdisciplinary research program focused on the evolutionary genomics of Drosophila. The successful candidate will lead computational and integrative genomics research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of evolutionary divergence, reproductive interactions, and speciation across the Drosophila genus. This position offers exceptional opportunities for scientific independence, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and preparation for a career in academia or advanced research.
Understanding how genomes evolve and how genetic divergence results in biological differences—including reproductive incompatibilities, sex-specific traits, and hybrid dysfunction—is a core problem in evolutionary biology. The Ahmed-Braimah Lab leverages Drosophila as a powerful comparative genomic system to dissect the molecular processes underlying these phenomena. Species in the D. virilis subgroup, in particular, provide a unique opportunity to study rapidly evolving reproductive traits, tissue-specific gene expression, post-mating interactions, gametic incompatibilities, and hybrid sterility—all within a tractable genomic framework.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead computational analyses of multi-omic datasets from multiple Drosophila species and populations, coupled with molecular genetics experiments. The exact project focus can be tailored to the researcher’s expertise and interests. Researchers with backgrounds in computational biology, evolutionary genomics, or Drosophila genomics are encouraged to apply.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience with genomic data analysis, evolutionary genomics, or comparative genomics.
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages (Python, R, Bash).
- Familiarity working in Linux/Unix environments and managing large-scale data.
- Strong communication, organizational, and writing skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
- Experience studying Drosophila or another tractable genetic model organism.
- Expertise in comparative genomics, population genomics, or regulatory genomics.
- Experience with workflow managers (Snakemake, Nextflow) and reproducible environments (Conda, Singularity).
- Background in studying reproductive biology, molecular divergence, or speciation (not required but advantageous).
- Experience with high-throughput multi-omics datasets and integrated analysis.
- Strong publication record and evidence of creativity and independence.
- Interest in mentoring and contributing to collaborative research culture.
- Perform research tasks as outlined by project needs and the principal investigator. This primarily includes designing, performing, and analyzing experiments.
- Disseminate findings through publications, conferences, and seminar presentations.
- Co-mentor graduate students and undergraduate researchers.
- Other duties as assigned.
Not applicable.
Tools/Equipment
Not applicable.
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a curriculum vitae and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.