Postdoctoral Scholar, Comparative Biology

American Museum of Natural History; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,062 - 78,299; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive benefits package

Job summary

A leading scientific institution in New York seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research on population genomics of silk genes in orb-weaving spiders. The role involves leveraging whole genome sequencing and exploring genetic diversity. Candidates should possess a Ph.D., and experience in bioinformatics, population genomics, and coding is essential. The expected salary is $71,181 per year, with benefits. The position requires residency at the Museum.

Qualifications

• Experience in bioinformatics methods and population genomic analyses.
• Proficient in coding and visualization of genomic data.
• Ability to write peer-reviewed publications.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on population genomics of silk genes in orb-weaving spiders.
• Leverage genome sequencing with haplotype phasing across spider populations.
• Identify silkome components under selection and pursue additional research.

Skills

Bioinformatics methods

Population genomic analyses

Coding expertise

Genomic data visualization

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. degree

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar, Comparative Biology

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Hayashi lab at the American Museum of Natural History seeks a motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct research on the population genomics of silk genes in orb‑weaving spiders. These spiders produce a variety of silk types with numerous functional differences and the genes that encode these proteins are characterized by abundant gene duplication, complicated repeat structure, extreme homogenization and convergent evolution. We are interested in understanding the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain genomic diversity of these genes.

For lab details see: https://www.amnh.org/research/staff-directory/cheryl-y-hayashi

The project will leverage whole genome sequencing with haplotype phasing across multiple spider populations. Spider silk genes possess complicated hierarchical organization involving SNPs, indels, repeats and paralogs, requiring multi‑dimensional measurement of molecular variation. The postdoc will also have opportunities to identify other silkome components under strong selection or pursue additional research with the available WGS data. Field collection and wet lab experiments may be included.

The expected salary for the Postdoctoral Scholar is $71,181 per year. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to be in residence working at the Museum.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree with experience in the application of bioinformatics methods, particularly population genomic analyses of structural variation and selection.
• Proficiency with coding and expertise in the visualization of genomic data.
• Demonstrated ability to write peer‑reviewed scientific publications.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and with a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with wet lab techniques, particularly RNA extraction and processing.
• Experience collecting specimens in the field.

EEO Statement

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre‑employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.