Postdoctoral Associate: Urban Evolutionary Entomology at Virginia Tech, United States

Summary: The Urban Evolutionary Entomology Laboratory at Virginia Tech is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to investigate fundamental questions in population genomics and urban evolution using pest insect systems. The candidate will work at the interface of evolutionary genetics, population genomics, and urban ecology.

Postdoctoral Associate: Urban Evolutionary Entomology at Virginia Tech, United States

Designation: Postdoctoral Associate

Job Overview

Research Area

The research will focus on understanding the genomic mechanisms underlying lineage establishment, persistence, adaptation, and extinction in highly inbred populations inhabiting urban environments. Current research themes include:

• Insecticide resistance evolution over historic to contemporary time frames.
• Population genomics across socioeconomic landscapes.
• The heritability of stress-induced epigenetic marks.
• Use of next-generation sequencing approaches such as ddRADseq, whole genome sequencing, and targeted sequence capture.

Location

Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

Eligibility / Qualification

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, genomics, integrative biology, or a closely related discipline (earned no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment, with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining).
• Strong background in population genomics and evolutionary biology.
• Significant experience with molecular laboratory techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, and genomic library preparation.
• Expertise in next-generation sequencing approaches and genomic data analysis.
• Experience with bioinformatic pipelines and command-line computational environments.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and publication potential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience in urban evolutionary biology and/or insect evolutionary biology.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent research projects.
• Experience in insect rearing and student mentoring.
• Experience in scientific outreach, science communication, and contributing to grant proposals.

Job Description

The successful candidate will participate in all aspects of the research program at the Urban Evolutionary Entomology Laboratory. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading experimental design, molecular laboratory work, bioinformatic analyses, and data interpretation.
• Preparing peer-reviewed publications as a first author and contributing to collaborative manuscripts.
• Collaborating with Dr. Warren Booth to develop grant proposals and independent research ideas.
• Playing an active role in laboratory operations, including mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and assisting with project coordination.
• Opportunities to assist in the development and delivery of courses related to population/evolutionary genetics, invasive species genomics, and urban evolutionary biology.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A one-page cover letter describing research experience, career goals, and interest in the position.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for 3 references.

Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. Warren Booth at warrenbooth@vt.edu. Applications can be submitted directly via the Apply Now! section on the Virginia Tech Jobs Page. (Note: A criminal conviction check is required for the successful candidate).

Last Date for Apply

Review Date: August 30, 2026

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