Postdoctoral Associate Job in Population Genomics and Urban Evolution at Virginia Tech, United States
Researchers interested in population genomics, evolutionary biology, urban ecology, and bioinformatics have an outstanding opportunity to join Virginia Tech as a Postdoctoral Associate in Population Genomics and Urban Evolution.
Hosted by the Urban Evolutionary Entomology Laboratory, this position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge genomic research exploring how pest insect populations adapt, evolve, and persist in urban environments. The appointment combines advanced molecular research with professional development in publishing, grant writing, mentoring, and teaching. Applications are open until August 30, 2026, with a flexible start date between September 2026 and February 2027.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Virginia Tech |
| Laboratory | Urban Evolutionary Entomology Laboratory |
| Position | Postdoctoral Associate |
| Research Area | Population Genomics and Urban Evolution |
| Location | Blacksburg, Virginia, USA |
| Application Deadline | August 30, 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | Between September 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027 (Flexible) |
| Salary | $53,550–$65,029 per year |
| Appointment Length | Initial 24 months |
| Extension | Possible based on funding and performance |
| Weekly Hours | 40 |
| Education Required | Ph.D. |
About the Research Project
The Urban Evolutionary Entomology Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate fundamental questions surrounding population genomics and urban evolution using economically important pest insects.
The project explores how highly inbred insect populations establish, adapt, survive, and sometimes become extinct within rapidly changing urban environments.
By combining evolutionary genetics with modern genomics, the research aims to improve scientific understanding of adaptation in human-modified ecosystems while generating knowledge relevant to pest management and evolutionary biology.
Research Themes
Current research within the laboratory focuses on several exciting topics, including:
- Evolution of insecticide resistance over historical and contemporary time scales
- Population genomics across different socioeconomic landscapes
- Evolution and persistence of inbred insect lineages
- Stress-induced epigenetic inheritance
- Urban adaptation in pest insects
- Evolutionary genetics of invasive species
These projects integrate field ecology, molecular biology, computational genomics, and evolutionary theory.
Genomic Technologies Used
The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art sequencing technologies and genomic analysis methods.
Research techniques may include:
- Double Digest Restriction-site Associated DNA Sequencing (ddRADseq)
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
- Targeted Sequence Capture
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Molecular genetics
- Population genomic analysis
- Bioinformatics workflows
- Command-line computational pipelines
This role is ideal for researchers looking to expand expertise in modern genomic technologies.
Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral associate will contribute to every stage of the research process.
Research (75%)
Primary responsibilities include:
- Designing research experiments
- Conducting molecular laboratory work
- DNA extraction
- PCR
- Genomic library preparation
- Sequencing data generation
- Bioinformatic analyses
- Statistical interpretation of genomic datasets
- Preparing manuscripts for scientific journals
Publications and Grant Development (15%)
The selected researcher will:
- Lead first-author scientific publications
- Collaborate on peer-reviewed manuscripts
- Assist in preparing competitive research grant proposals
- Contribute to research reports and project development
Laboratory Mentorship (5%)
Additional responsibilities include:
- Mentoring undergraduate students
- Supporting graduate researchers
- Assisting with laboratory organization
- Coordinating research activities
- Promoting a collaborative research culture
Professional Development and Outreach (5%)
Virginia Tech encourages postdoctoral researchers to expand their professional experience through:
- Scientific conference presentations
- Research seminars
- Community outreach
- Teaching opportunities
- Science communication
- Research leadership training
These experiences help prepare researchers for academic faculty positions and research leadership careers.
Collaborative Research Environment
Virginia Tech provides access to an outstanding interdisciplinary research community.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with scientists across:
- Department of Entomology
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute
- The Invasive Species Collaborative
- Computational Biology programs
- Evolutionary Biology researchers
- Ecology research groups
- Genomics laboratories
This collaborative environment supports innovative research and interdisciplinary career growth.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from:
$53,550 to $65,029 per year
Additional benefits include:
- Full-time employment
- Initial 24-month appointment
- Possibility of contract extension
- Extensive research support
- Professional development opportunities
- Scientific publishing experience
- Grant-writing experience
- Teaching opportunities
- Leadership training
- Student mentoring experience
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Ecology, Genomics, Integrative Biology, or a closely related discipline
- Degree earned no more than four years before the appointment begins
- At least one year of postdoctoral eligibility remaining
- Strong background in evolutionary biology
- Expertise in population genomics
- Experience with molecular laboratory methods
- DNA extraction experience
- PCR proficiency
- Genomic library preparation
- Next-generation sequencing expertise
- Bioinformatics experience
- Command-line computational skills
- Strong scientific writing abilities
- Peer-reviewed publication record or clear publication potential
Preferred Qualifications
Applicants with experience in the following areas will be particularly competitive:
- Urban evolutionary biology
- Insect evolutionary biology
- Independent research project management
- Insect rearing
- Student supervision
- Scientific outreach
- Science communication
- Grant proposal development
Required Application Materials
Interested candidates should submit:
- One-page cover letter outlining:
- Research experience
- Career goals
- Interest in the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact information for three professional references
- Apply at: https://jobs.apply.vt.edu/jobs/postdoctoral-associate-blacksburg-virginia-united-states-e9a1d48b-f995-478f-89f4-011886b655d8 Review of applications will begin August 30th, 2026. Anticipated start date for this position is January 2027; however, the start date is flexible. |
Applications will begin being reviewed on August 30, 2026.
Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Informal Inquiries
Prospective applicants who have questions about the position may contact:
Dr. Warren Booth
Urban Evolutionary Entomology Laboratory
Virginia Tech
Email: warrenbooth@vt.edu
Why Consider This Postdoctoral Position?
This opportunity stands out because it combines advanced genomic research with professional development in a highly collaborative environment.
Researchers will benefit from:
- Cutting-edge population genomics research
- Access to advanced sequencing technologies
- Opportunities for first-author publications
- Grant-writing experience
- Student mentoring
- Interdisciplinary collaborations
- Teaching experience
- Career development for future faculty or research leadership positions
For scientists interested in evolutionary genetics, urban ecology, insect genomics, or bioinformatics, this postdoctoral appointment provides an excellent platform to build a competitive academic research career.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Published | July 23, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 30, 2026 |
| Application Review Begins | August 30, 2026 |
| Flexible Start Window | September 2026 – February 2027 |
| Anticipated Start | January 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?
Yes. This is a full-time salaried postdoctoral appointment with an annual salary ranging from $53,550 to $65,029, along with access to research resources, professional development opportunities, and institutional support.
How long is the appointment?
The initial appointment is 24 months, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and available funding.
What research areas does the position focus on?
The research centers on population genomics, urban evolution, evolutionary genetics, insect genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular ecology, particularly using pest insect systems to understand adaptation in urban environments.
Which genomic technologies will I use?
Researchers may work with ddRADseq, whole genome sequencing, targeted sequence capture, next-generation sequencing, genomic library preparation, and advanced bioinformatic analysis pipelines.
What qualifications are required?
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, genomics, molecular ecology, integrative biology, or a related discipline, with strong experience in molecular laboratory techniques, population genomics, and computational genomics.
Are teaching opportunities available?
Yes. Depending on departmental needs, the postdoctoral associate may contribute to teaching courses related to population genetics, urban evolutionary biology, invasive species genomics, and evolutionary genetics.
Will I have opportunities to publish research?
Absolutely. The successful candidate is expected to lead first-author peer-reviewed publications and collaborate on additional manuscripts arising from laboratory projects.
Can I participate in grant writing?
Yes. The position includes opportunities to collaborate with Dr. Warren Booth on developing research grant proposals and generating independent research ideas.
When should I apply?
Although applications will be reviewed beginning August 30, 2026, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline to receive full consideration.
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