Postdoctoral Fellow

University Services University of the Health Sciences; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University Services University of the Health Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance an NSF-funded framework integrating phylogenomics, morphology, and ecology in Anopheline mosquitoes.

The role leads genomic assembly, phylogenomic inference, 3D morphometric analysis, and environmental niche modeling, with co-authorship on multiple manuscripts. This is an integrative, potentially career-launching position for a scientist interested in public health entomology.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in evolutionary biology, entomology, phylogenetics, bioinformatics, ecology or closely related field.
• 0–5 years of postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Experience with mosquito taxonomy, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Lead genomic assembly and phylogenomic inference.
• Contribute to 3D morphometric trait extraction and environmental niche modeling.
• Co-lead peer-reviewed manuscripts across multiple aims.
• Mentor students and collaborate across teams.

Skills

Mosquito taxonomy

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Phylogenomics

Comparative methods

3D morphometrics

GIS

Remote sensing

One-Health

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

Doctoral degree in evolutionary biology or related

Tools

Phylogenomic pipelines

Ancient DNA workflows

Museum specimen digitization

Job description

The Postdoctoral Research fellow will be working on a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project that aims to build the first integrated phylogenomic, morphological, and ecological framework of the entire Anopheline mosquito subfamily. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth, and anopheline mosquitoes alone transmit the malaria parasites responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths every year. Their ranges are shifting in unpredictable ways under climate and land-use change, yet fewer than 75 of the nearly 500 known Anopheline species have ever been tested for their ability to transmit human pathogens; and most lack even a basic evolutionary or ecological framework.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will lead genomic assembly and phylogenomic inference, contribute to 3D morphometric trait extraction and environmental niche modeling, and co-lead peer-reviewed manuscripts across multiple aims. This is an unusually broad, integrative opportunity for a scientist who wants to work at the intersection of phylogenomics, functional morphology, ecology, and public health entomology, with the training, publications, and network to launch an independent research career.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree required preferred field in evolutionary biology, entomology, phylogenetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, ecology, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of 0-5 years experience required

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with mosquito taxonomy, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.
• Experience with phylogenomic pipelines or comparative methods.
• Experience with archival or ancient DNA workflows, museum specimen digitization, or historical collections.
• Familiarity with 3D morphometrics, CT segmentation, or biomechanical modeling.
• Demonstrate knowledge of species distribution modeling, GIS, or remote sensing.
• Interest or background in One-Health, vector biology, or bioinformatics.
• Experience mentoring students and contributing to an inclusive, collaborative team environment.
• A track record of first-author peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.