POSITION OPENINGS
We are looking for highly motivated postdocs and students (both graduates and undergraduates) who are willing to tackle fundamental questions in both basic evolution and biomedical research. Research interests in the Zhuang Lab include understanding the genetic basis of complex trait variation and novel trait evolution, involving the genetic architecture of complex diseases, the origination of genetic novelty and diversity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Employing molecular evolution, quantitative genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, the research group conducts studies on both model organisms, such as fruit flies, and non-model organisms, such as polar fishes.
Prospective postdoctoral research associates
Qualifications
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Ph.D. in Genetics, Genomics, Epigenomics, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field;
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Proficiency in R, Python, or other programming languages commonly used for genomic and epigenomic data analysis;
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Experience analyzing omics datasets, particularly RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, genome sequencing, transcriptome, or other functional genomic datasets;
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Preferred experience with experimental and computational approaches for RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&Tag, including library preparation, quality control, data processing, peak calling, differential expression/accessibility analysis, and integrative multi-omics analysis;
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Good understanding of evolutionary genetics, epigenomics, gene regulation, environmental adaptation, and/or comparative genomics;
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Interest in studying epigenomic mechanisms underlying adaptation to extreme environments, particularly in polar fish systems;
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Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team.
Responsibilities
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The postdoctoral fellow will lead an NSF CAREER-funded project investigating the epigenomic mechanisms of environmental adaptation in polar fish. The project will focus on understanding how gene regulation, chromatin accessibility, and epigenomic variation contribute to physiological adaptation to polar and changing aquatic environments.
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The primary responsibilities of this position include developing and implementing experimental and computational pipelines for RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&Tag studies; conducting transcriptomic and epigenomic data analysis; integrating multi-omics datasets; and interpreting results in the context of evolutionary biology, environmental adaptation, and functional genomics.
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Additional responsibilities include organizing research findings into publishable manuscripts and grant proposals, managing genomic and epigenomic datasets, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, collaborating with lab members and external collaborators, and providing bioinformatics support for ongoing projects in the lab.
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The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to both experimental design and computational analysis, develop independent research directions within the broader project, and participate in outreach and training activities associated with the NSF CAREER award.
Application Instructions
Please email me the following materials:
(1) CV (includes publications and manuscripts in preparation),
(2) a cover letter outlining previous research experience and future plans, specifically how it is related to research focus in our lab,
(3) contact information for two references.
Prospective graduate students
Prospective PhD students could join us through Department of Biological Sciences, or Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology.
Minimum Requirements
• B.S. or M.S. in Biology or related fields.
• Strong motivation and commitment to scientific rigor
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team
Preferred Qualifications (not required, but a plus)
• Molecular biology skills
• Background in genetics and evolution
• Experience with R or other programming languages for data analysis
• Exposure to omics data analysis
Application Information
• Department of Biological Sciences
• Cell and Molecular Biology Program
We invite interested and highly qualified candidates to apply. Please email me:
1. Your CV
2. A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and how they align with the lab’s research focus
3. Unofficial transcripts
4. GRE scores (optional)
5. TOEFL/IELTS scores (if international applicant)
6. Contact information for two to three references
Prospective undergraduate students
Students interested in joining the lab are encouraged to read our research webpages. A great way to confirm the type of research you are passionate about is reading some related scientific articles.
Previous research experience is not required, but we would like to see your positive attitude, willing to learn, hardworking, and enthusiasm for the research project. Pre-existing knowledge or technical expertise is not required, but ideal candidates are expected to take at least one or two courses in the topics of genetics, evolution, genomics, or bioinformatics.
I will help to guide project conception and work together with each student to create a plan of concrete and actionable tasks. Our undergraduate lab members will learn how to gather useful information for their research from scientific literature, perform experiments and data analysis, participate in manuscripts writing, and have the opportunity to present their results at academic conferences.
If you are interested in joining our group, please send me an email briefly describing your research interests and how it fits with those of our lab.
