Postdoctoral Entomologist — Pollinator Genomics

Smithsonian Institution; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in entomology, focusing on mass digitization of insect pollinators and comparative genomics.

The appointment is a 2-year temporary IS-11 level, with full Smithsonian benefits. Duties include DNA extraction, genome assembly, publishing peer‑reviewed work, and collaboration with NMNH and partners.

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of biological sciences, entomology, systematics, bioinformatics and data management.
• Molecular lab skills, including DNA extraction and library preparation.
• Experience with genome assembly/annotation and public repositories (GenBank).

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA extraction and preparation for whole genome sequencing using NMNH facilities.
• Assemble and annotate resulting genomes.
• Analyze comparative phylogeny and evolution of select genes across pollinator lineages.
• Study evolution of phenotypic and behavioral traits in pollination within genomic context.
• Present results at meetings and co-author peer‑reviewed papers; share data publicly.

Skills

Biology & entomology

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Data management

Publications

Team collaboration

Oral & written communication

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

GenBank

R

Python

MatLab

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in entomology, focusing on mass digitization of insect pollinators and comparative genomics.

The appointment is a 2-year temporary IS-11 level, with full Smithsonian benefits. Duties include DNA extraction, genome assembly, publishing peer‑reviewed work, and collaboration with NMNH and partners.