Postdoc Position in Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics

Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida

A postdoc position is available in the Hopkins Lab at the University of Florida. The successful candidate will use computational and experimental approaches to study the evolution of organs and cell types.

Our research seeks to understand the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary pathways through which organs and their functions originate and diversify through time. We take a comparative approach, using patterns of evolutionary diversification across species to uncover general principles of biological design that shape organ architecture, function, and evolution. Much of our work focuses on Drosophila, moving beyond melanogaster as a model organism to develop the wider Drosophilidae family and its >4000 morphologically, ecologically, and behaviourally diverse species as a model clade. But we are also starting to branch out into other insect and vertebrate groups. Our work makes use of a wide range of computational and experimental approaches, including gene regulatory network inference, comparative genomics, genome editing, and single-cell ‘omics. Over time, postdocs will be provided with support to develop an independent research program that aligns with the lab's broad interests in developmental and evolutionary genetics.

The Hopkins Lab is based at the University of Florida, which is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the US. The lab is housed in UF's Genetics Institute, a cross-departmental institute that brings together a wide variety of researchers with interests in genetics. Our corridor alone is home to groups working on evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, developmental biology, and functional genetics, opening up rich opportunities for interactions and collaboration with like-minded researchers. Our building also houses UF's biotechnology core, complete with state-of-the art imaging suites and sequencing facilities. Gainesville itself is a vibrant college town with a lively nightlife, great bars and restaurants, excellent live music scene, and offers easy access to Florida's diverse natural landscapes—from crystal-clear springs and pine forests to wetlands and the white sandy beaches of the coast.

Start date is flexible. Multi-year funding is available from start-up funds.

If interested, please contact Ben Hopkins (br.hopkins@ufl.edu) with a CV, a statement of research interests and experience, and the names of three references.