Post Doctoral Research Associate

Post Doctoral Research Associate

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To apply applicants should go to https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/34771and submit the following materials:

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Contact information for 3 references

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions may be addressed to Dr. Todd Castoe at [email protected].

For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number	F00816P
Position Title	Post Doctoral Research Associate
Department	Biology
Location	Arlington
Job Family	Faculty
Position Status	Full-time
Rank	Non-Tenured
Work Hours	Standard
Open to	External and Internal
FLSA	Exempt
Duration	Job terminates
Pay Basis	Monthly
Benefits Eligible	Yes
Job Summary	The Castoe Lab at the University of Texas at Arlington is seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher. Our laboratory studies genome biology and evolutionary genomics using integrative approaches and vertebrates and invertebrate parasites as model systems. Our research addresses fundamental questions in genome biology and evolution including how novel gene regulatory networks evolve and function, how vertebrates control regenerative growth, how multiple synergistic processes shape genome structure and function, and how synergistic evolutionary processes result in speciation. These basic questions typically leverage snakes as model systems because they possess many extreme and unique phenotypic and genomic characteristics that make them particularly powerful models for such comparative studies. Our work on schistosome parasites addresses more applied questions about how control efforts may drive distinct patterns of transmission and natural selection. We also work collaboratively on a diversity of other topics, including COVID evolution, optimization of antibiotic compounds, the roles of stress response pathways and epigenomics of trans-generational plasticity. Thus, our work addresses a diversity of questions, some of which have strong relevance to human biology and human health, while other questions target broader biological understanding of how genomes evolve, how genomes function, and how extreme traits evolve. Research in our lab involves both the generation and integrated computational analysis of diverse ‘omic’-scale datasets (including large population genomic datasets, functional genomics datasets, and single-cell omic datasets), and often lead us to develop new theory and new computational approaches that have broad relevance beyond our own research. Given the breadth of techniques and questions in the lab, a great diversity of personal interests of graduate or undergraduate research can be accommodated.
Benefits at UTA	We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University. To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link: https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
CBC Requirement	It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University. This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	1.Conduct research in evolutionary genomics and speciation. Develop and test hypotheses about how selection, gene flow, recombination, and genomic architecture shape species boundaries and reproductive isolation 2. Analyze and compare genomic data from natural hybrid zones. Integrate large genomic datasets from multiple populations, hybrid zones, and taxa to identify shared and lineage-specific patterns of divergence, introgression, and genomic coupling 3. Develop and implement computational methods. Build, benchmark, and maintain analytical tools and reproducible workflows for population genomics, using statistical modeling, population genetic simulations, and machine-learning approaches as appropriate 4. Manage genomic data and research records. Maintain organized sequence data, metadata, analytical documentation, and sample records to support reproducibility and collaborative use 5. Participate in field research and sample collection. Support fieldwork in remote locations, including collection and documentation of biological samples and safe handling of venomous snakes following appropriate training and applicable animal-use and safety protocols 6. Publish and communicate research findings. Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts, present findings at scientific meetings, and prepare software, documentation, and data for public release 7. Collaborate across institutions. Coordinate analyses, exchange data and methods, and contribute to shared research objectives and publications with collaborating investigators 8. Contribute to research mentoring and project planning. Assist students and other lab members with computational analyses and research methods, and contribute to project development, progress reporting, and proposal preparation
Required Qualifications	PhD in evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a closely related field by the position’s start date Strong background in population and evolutionary genomics, including speciation, gene flow, and reproductive isolation Demonstrated programming proficiency in one or more relevant languages, including R, Python, and C++ Experience analyzing large genomic datasets and developing or implementing reproducible computational workflows Record of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the position Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings and work both independently and collaboratively
Preferred Qualifications	Experience analyzing genomic data from hybrid zones, including comparative analyses across populations, hybrid zones, or taxa Experience developing, benchmarking, and documenting population-genomic software or analytical tools Experience with population genetic simulation frameworks, such as SLiM or msprime Familiarity with machine-learning approaches relevant to genomic analysis Experience using high-performance computing environments Experience conducting fieldwork in remote locations and safely handling venomous snakes Experience mentoring students or coordinating collaborative research activities
Special Conditions for Eligibility	In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is considered on an exception-only basis and is not routinely available.
Department Information	The University of Texas at Arlington Biology department is spread across the Life Science; Engineering Research; and Science, Engineering, and Innovation Research Buildings of the university’s campus. Designated as a Carnegie R-1 Research Institution, our department’s research faculty largely focus on evolution and ecology as well as microbiology.
University Information	The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy. UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
Working Title
EEO Statement	It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations	The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [email protected].

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	1
Desired Start Date	01/01/2027
Open Date	10/23/2026
Review Start Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants	To apply applicants should go to https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/34771and submit the following materials: Required Documents: Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Unofficial Transcripts Contact information for 3 references Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Todd Castoe at [email protected]. For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.

Requirement Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a UTA employee?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * If you are a current UTA employee, please provide the name and department of your current supervisor. (If not current employee, enter "N/A")

   (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover/Interest Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. References (Additional)

Optional Documents