The Vector Genetics Lab (VGL) at the University of California, Davis currently has three post-doctoral positions available for highly motivated candidates with a background in ecology, population genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics. The VGL focuses on problems in the fields of evolutionary genetics, ecology, and vector-borne disease control.

Ongoing projects:

The VGL is currently engaged in a large project focused on the biology of malaria (parasites & vectors) at sites in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. These include the islands of Annobón, São Tomé, Príncipe, and Bioko, as well as coastal Equatorial Guinea.

Current research centers on our collaboration with the University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) (stopmalaria.org). The overall goal of UCMI is to contribute to the elimination of malaria in Africa by using genetically engineered mosquito (GEM) vectors, and the VGL’s role is to conduct field trials of these GEMs. This cutting-edge approach involves the release of GEMs with Plasmodium-resistant genes propagated by a CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive.

Subject areas:

• Speciation, interspecific hybridization, and introgression
• Island biogeography, landscape ecology, genetics, genomics, mathematical modeling
• Evolution of natural and synthetic selfish genetic elements, including resistance to gene drive
• Evolutionary genetics of parasites in the genus Plasmodium and mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles
• Environmental impact and post-release monitoring of GM mosquitoes into Gulf of Guinea field sites
• Assessment of fitness of GM mosquitoes in a field context.

Responsibilities:

Successful candidates will work as members of a large team of fellow scientists and students. Each post-doctoral fellow is expected to take the lead in a scientific project in agreement with the PI. Collaboration, including sharing of time and expertise, is expected and mandatory. Mentoring at least one undergraduate research student each year is expected.

Required Qualifications:

• Have recently received their Ph.D. in Ecology, Population Genetics/Genomics, Bioinformatics, or related discipline (theoretical and/or applied)
• Demonstrated record of research productivity and publications
• Available to participate in on-site field work in the Gulf of Guinea for minimum periods of one month
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Linux/Unix environments
• Experience with genomic, biodiversity, and/or biogeographic data analysis
• Experience working with environmental DNA, ingested DNA and/or meta-barcoding
• Experience with coalescence/IBD methods
• Programming experience (e.g. C/C++, Python, Perl, R) and database experience (MySQL)
• Strong mathematical/statistical skills
• Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills

Position Information:

Salary Range: $69,073-$82,835 contingent on candidate experience.
Full Time
Duration: Two years with the possibility of extension based on funding.
Location: University of California, Davis, California USA
Benefits Eligible including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), etc.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter describing your research interests and why you are interested in this position
• A curriculum vitae
• Contact information for 3 referees

Send the above combined into a single PDF to VGL Administrator Christine Coleman at cmhandy@ucdavis.edu.

Review of applications will start immediately. These positions will be open until filled. Appointments are for a duration of two years with the possibility of extension based on funding.

Applications not organized as described above will not be considered.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.