Postdoctoral Associate — Genetics of organ function and evolution

PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Biology or related fields.

The Hopkins Lab (www.hopkins-lab.com) in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join our team. The successful candidate will use computational and experimental approaches to study the architecture and evolution of gene circuits that underlie organ function and development in Drosophila and beyond.

We are an evolutionary and developmental genetics lab, broadly interested in the structure and evolution of the gene circuits that underlie organ development and function. Our work focuses on three sets of questions: how are cell types and their functions encoded in the genome; how does organ-level physiology emerge from the contributions of multiple specialized cell types; and what are the genetic mechanisms through which organs and cell types evolve? We employ a comparative, multi-species approach, with a particular focus on the genetically tractable Drosophilidae family and on rapidly evolving organ classes, such as sensory organs and the prostate-like secretory tissues of the reproductive system. Our work makes use of a wide range of computational and experimental approaches, including gene regulatory network reconstruction, comparative genomics, genome editing, and single-cell ‘omics. Multiple projects are available in these broad areas depending on the successful applicant's interests.

Our lab philosophy follows Daniel Hartl's description of the principles on which James F. Crow ran his lab: 'bringing smart people together to pursue their passions and encouraging interaction, mutual respect and support, constructive criticism, and the free sharing of ideas and resources’. Our immediate lab neighbors have interests in evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, developmental biology, and functional genetics, opening up rich opportunities for interactions and collaboration with like-minded researchers.

$58,656 - $62,652 Annually. Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Evolutionary Biology, or related fields.

Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in genetics, genomics, gene regulation, cell biology, computational biology, developmental biology, and/or evolutionary biology.

Previous experience working with Drosophila and single-cell data is preferred but not essential.

This is a time-limited position, and all applicants MUST apply online through Careers at UF.

In order to be considered, you must upload CV; a 1-2 page statement of research interests, experience, reasons for applying, and future plans; and the names and e-mail addresses of three references.

A Criminal Background check is required and this is not a remote work position, and it is located on the University of Florida main campus in Gainesville, FL.

We Offer Exceptional Benefits:
• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous Retirement Options to secure your future
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages: (includes over 10 paid holidays, as well as paid family, sick, and vacation leave)
• Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities: Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance through the UF Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

To learn more about Gainesville and the surrounding areas, please visit the Guide to Greater Gainesville that shares information about our neighborhoods, schools, and zoning, culture and leisure, and more at https://guidetogreatergainesville.com/.

Gainesville is a vibrant city with a low cost of living, excellent public schools, Division I NCAA sports, and no state income tax. The area is known for its nature parks, bike trails, sporting events, museums, mild winters, and warm summers. Being centrally located makes Gainesville easily situated for a day trip to beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and to theme parks including Disney World, and other cities include Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at https://www.visitgainesville.com/.

To learn more about the University of Florida (UF) please visit https://www.ufl.edu/.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (EDT) of the posting end date.