Postdoctoral Researcher in Avian Genomics

About the role

The Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science seeks a postdoctoral researcher to lead computational genomic analyses for an NSF‑funded project aimed at resolving a comprehensive phylogeny of parrots using whole‑genome data.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct large‑scale genome assembly, alignment, annotation, and comparative genomics for over 700 parrot taxa.
• Develop and execute phylogenomic pipelines, evaluate genomic datasets, and characterize features influencing phylogenetic signal.
• Prepare and publish manuscripts, supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and assist with field expeditions.
• Support curatorial activities for the genetic resources collection, including database management and specimen vouchering.
• Collaborate with internal and external investigators, pursue funding opportunities, and contribute to departmental seminars and outreach.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Biology, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience with programming and modern bioinformatic/phylogenomic tools.
• Strong publication record in evolutionary biology or ornithology.
• Ability to work onsite at 0119 M.J. Foster Hall and engage with the LSUMNS community.

Required skills

• Genome assembly
• Whole‑genome alignment
• Genome annotation
• Comparative genomics
• Phylogenetic inference
• Programming languages for bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R)