Postdoctoral Researcher - Evolutionary Genomics

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field.
• 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.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Experience with genomic data analysis, evolutionary genomics, or comparative genomics.
• Preferred Qualifications: 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, experience with high-throughput multi-omic datasets and integrated analysis, strong publication record and evidence of creativity and independence, interest in mentoring and contributing to collaborative research culture.