Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition reduction

Paid leave

Job summary

University of Arizona in Tucson seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology to study the genomic basis of host adaptation to disease. The McNew Lab focuses on host-parasite interactions, birds, and pathogens, using genomics and fieldwork across diverse ecosystems.

This role offers a chance to contribute to disease ecology, evolution, and conservation research. Responsibilities include conducting genomics research, sequencing, bioinformatics, mentoring students, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology or a related field upon hire.
• Experience in genomics, ecology and evolution, disease ecology, or ornithology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform genomics and genetics research under PI supervision.
• Conduct whole genome sequencing experiments and bioinformatics analyses.
• Maintain reproducible bioinformatics pipelines with GitHub integration.
• Mentor students and support student research projects.
• Write and publish papers in high-impact journals.
• Possible field work in the Galápagos Islands.

Skills

Ecology and evolution knowledge

Genomics

Bioinformatics

Scientific writing

Communication

Time management

Independent work

Team collaboration

GitHub

Education

Ph.D. in Biology or related field

Tools

GitHub

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Posting Number req26894

Department Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Department Website Link https://eeb.arizona.edu/

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The McNew Lab of Disease Ecology is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research on the genomic basis of host adaptation to disease.

The McNew Lab of Disease Ecology studies the ecology and evolution of host-parasite interactions, with a particular focus on birds and their parasites and pathogens. Using a combination of field-based research, genomics, and other innovative approaches, the lab investigates how animals respond to environmental change, emerging diseases, and long-term host-parasite interactions. Research takes place across diverse ecosystems, including the Sonoran Sky Islands and the Galápagos Islands, providing opportunities to explore questions at the intersection of disease ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation. The lab is part of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and is committed to advancing understanding of how host-parasite interactions shape species’ ecology and evolution in a changing world.

Founded in1975, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at the University of Arizona is a pioneering leader in the study of biological diversity. Guided by a mission to discover and teach the principles underlying biological diversity, EEB takes an integrative approach to ecology and evolution, spanning genes, cells, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems across the tree of life. The department’s research and education extend from the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountain systems to Mexico, the Sea of Cortez, and Costa Rica, providing opportunities for discovery across diverse environments. EEB is committed to fostering a collaborative community where research, education, and outreach advance understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape life on Earth.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work under supervision of the PI in conducting genomics and genetics research.
• Conduct whole genome sequencing experiments and bioinformatics analysis.
• Maintain reproducible bioinformatics pipelines with GitHub integration.
• Mentor students and support student research projects.
• Write and publish papers in high-impact journals.
• The position may optionally include field work in the Galápagos Islands.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledgeableabout research in ecology and evolution.
• Knowledgeableabout host‑parasite interactions, vertebrate genomics, and/orornithology.
• Skilled atwhole genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and scientificwriting.
• Skilled atcommunication, time management, and working independently.
• The ability tostay organized, self-motivated, and accountable.
• The ability towork well with others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. inBiology or a related field upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• A track record of research in genomics, ecology and evolution, disease ecology, and/or ornithology.
• Experience handling wild passerines.
• Publications in peer-reviewed, high-impact scientific journals.
• Written and spoken Spanish language proficiency.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Sabrina McNew, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
[e-mail]

Open Date 8/26/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].