Postdoctoral Fellow – Population Genomics Informatics

VS-Postdoc; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vector Genetics Lab at University of California Davis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Population Genomics Informatics to join a multidisciplinary program preparing for a field release of a low-threshold GM mosquito.

The fellowship offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a globally visible translational milestone by developing the data and informatics systems that underpin large scale population genomics, field ecology, and mosquito borne disease control innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, population genetics, information science, or a related field.
• Experience with large scale genomic or ecological datasets.
• Experience with cloud computing and reproducible research practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate integrated data architectures linking field data and genomics.
• Build scalable workflows for multi-site field operations and high throughput sequencing.
• Implement FAIR data governance frameworks.
• Prototype tools for field data capture and metadata validation.
• Publish high-impact research on informatics methods and population genomics data systems.
• Provide scientific mentorship to all VGL personnel handling data.
• Collaborate with field, wet lab, and computational teams across partner institutions.

Skills

Strong programming skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration across disciplines

Data governance understanding

Education

PhD in bioinformatics / computational biology / population genetics

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Linux/Unix

Nextflow

Snakemake

CWL

QuickSight

Cloud computing

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow – Population Genomics Informatics

Vector Genetics Lab at University of California Davis

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Population Genomics Informatics to join a multidisciplinary program preparing for the first ever field release of a low threshold genetically modified mosquito. This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to contribute to a globally visible translational milestone by developing the data and informatics systems that underpin large scale population genomics, field ecology, and mosquito borne disease control innovation.

The successful candidate will lead research at the intersection of genomics, data science, ecological monitoring, and regulatory grade data governance, shaping the informatics backbone of a pioneering field trial.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate integrated data architectures linking field entomology, ecological covariates, sample metadata, and genomic outputs
• Build reproducible, scalable workflows supporting multi-site field operations and high throughput sequencing
• Implement FAIR aligned data governance frameworks
• Prototype and test tools for field data capture, metadata validation, and cross dataset integration
• Publish high impact research on informatics methods, standards, and population genomics data systems and how these relate to the overall VGL mission concerning malaria
• Provide scientific mentorship to all VGL personnel who generate or handle data, including Postdoctoral Fellows, Staff Research Associates and students
• Collaborate closely with field, wet lab, and computational teams across partner institutions

Required Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, population genetics, information science, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with large scale genomic or ecological datasets
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and experience with Linux/Unix command-line environments and Bash scripting
• Familiarity with workflow managers (Nextflow, Snakemake, CWL) and interactive data visualization tools like QuickSight (currently in use in our lab)
• Experience with cloud computing and reproducible research practices
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with field site data, ecological covariates, or vector biology
• Knowledge of ontologies, metadata standards, and semantic data models
• Experience with LIMS, REDCap, ODK, or similar data capture systems
• Background in translational research, global health, or gene drive–related data systems

Why Join Us

This fellowship provides the opportunity to contribute to a first in the world field trial, shaping the scientific and operational foundations of a transformative vector control strategy. The fellow will gain experience in multisite data integration, regulatory grade data systems, and high impact translational genomics—while building a strong publication record in an emerging, high visibility domain. For additional information see VGL website: https://vectorgeneticslab.ucdavis.edu/