Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Evolutionary Genomics

Investigate the genetic coupling hypothesis of speciation using field crickets and genomics.

Best for:Best for genomics researchers with bioinformatics skills and experience in next-generation sequencing data analysis.

University of St Andrews · St Andrews, United Kingdom · R2 · Recognised researcher

More professors at University of St Andrews

Evolutionary GenomicsSpeciationComparative GenomicsGenetic MappingBehavioral Genetics

This is a postdoc position — not a PhD studentship.

Deadline

Nov 13, 2026

22 days

Funding

Salaried

£38.8k–£46.0k/yr

Start date

2027-01-11

Full-time

Location

St Andrews

United Kingdom

Overview

The University of St Andrews invites applications for a 36-month postdoctoral research fellow position in evolutionary genomics within the Centre for Biological Diversity. Led by Prof. Nathan Bailey, the project explores the genetic coupling model of speciation through ultra-high resolution genetic mapping, comparative genomics, and functional gene knockdown studies. The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork, generate and analyze genomic data, phenotype reproductive barrier traits, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences. Applicants should possess or be near completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline alongside strong bioinformatics expertise.

Evolutionary BiologyGenomicsBioinformaticsFieldworkNext-Generation SequencingGene Knockdown

What you'll do

Conduct fieldwork to collect multiple species of southeast Asian field crickets of the genus Teleogryllus
Sequence and annotate chromosomally contiguous reference genomes
Measure and phenotype reproductive barrier traits, including acoustic and chemical preferences
Perform ultra-high resolution genetic association mapping to identify reproductive barrier loci
Analyze the evolutionary history of barrier loci utilizing comparative genomic methods
Perform functional validation of candidate genes via gene knockdowns
Analyze datasets, write research manuscripts for publication, and present findings at academic conferences

Requirements

Degree required: PhD in evolutionary biology, evolutionary genomics, or a related field

Language: English

Instruction: English

Required skills

Expertise in bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data
Experience with functional validation approaches
Strong background in evolutionary biology or evolutionary genomics

Nice to have

Genome assembly and annotation using long read, Hi-C, and transcriptome dataBehavioral analysis of sexual traits and preferencesComparative genomics data analysisExperience with RNAi and field collection methods

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

£38.8k–£46.0k/yr

Duration

36 months

Programme

University of St Andrews

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-13

Interested applicants must submit their application materials through the online recruitment portal provided by the University of St Andrews. Ensure you quote reference number AR3357CM in your application. Informal inquiries can be directed via email to Professor Nathan Bailey.

Documents required