Post Doc Res Assoc-Dearing Lab

Job Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Denise Dearing in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. Our current research focuses on the evolution of the mammalian detoxification system and the mechanisms of adaptation to dietary toxins in herbivorous woodrats including the role of the microbiome. Please visit our website for more information about our research and the lab: www.dearinglab.com or email Denise Dearing at denise.dearing@utah.edu. The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City, with easy access to world-class entertainment and recreation. Utah has 5 national parks, and the university is within a 40-minute drive of at least six major alpine skiing and snowboarding resorts, including venues of the 2002 (and 2034) Olympics. Hiking and mountain biking trails begin on campus. Outside Magazine called Salt Lake City “one of the nation's most underrated outdoor meccas.” There are numerous performing art venues such as the Utah Symphony & Opera and Broadway at the Eccles theater. The city is also a major airline hub (Delta), with non-stop flights throughout North America and Europe, Asia (Paris, Amsterdam, Seoul).

Responsibilities

• Work within a diverse and vibrant group of laboratories, with research interests ranging from environmental biology to biochemistry.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the genetics, evolutionary biology, and microbiome communities, which are strong at the University of Utah and offer numerous opportunities for collaboration.
• Participate in cross-campus interest groups in both evolutionary genomics and microbiome science, which are especially interactive.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, microbiology, or a closely related field.
• Track record of research productivity as evidenced in first-author publications.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Willingness to work with wild rodents and in the field.
• Expertise with next generation sequencing data and associated bioinformatics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in either evolutionary genetics/genomics including preparation of in-house DNA/RNA sequencing libraries or microbiome science, including 16SrRNA metabarcoding, metagenomics, isolation and culture.
• Prior analysis of high-throughput sequencing data and experience with R and Python required.

Application Materials Needed

• CV
• A one-page cover letter that includes your research experience and interests, career goals as well as your preferred approximate start date.
• Names and contact information of two references who are not the current supervisor (see below) willing to submit letters of reference upon request.
• Letter of reference from current supervisor sent within 2 weeks of application emailed directly to denise.dearing@utah.edu.

Special Instructions

• Requisition Number: PRN45474B
• Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
• Work Schedule Summary: TBD
• Department: 00116 - School of Biological Sciences
• Location: Campus
• Pay Rate Range: $56,375 - $65,000
• Close Date: 8/28/2026
• Open Until Filled

To Apply

Visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204216 for application instructions.