Postdoctoral Researcher, Division of Biological Sciences

The Division of Biological Sciences invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join their team. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work under the supervision of a senior scholar to complete the research assigned to this temporary letter of appointment position. This is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic and/or research career. The appointment involves full-time research and the appointee has the freedom, and is expected, to publish the results of his or her research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

The appointee is expected to be both highly independent and collaborative, and they will have significant leeway in analysis of existing datasets and the scope and design of new projects. A key requirement is that the individual have the ability to see intellectually and technically complex projects through to their conclusion, which will involve developing methodological approaches and reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data and results from the project. Great autonomy and ability to exhibit independent decision making is expected in designing and implementing strategies for achieving research goals. The appointee will write papers for publication based on research, compose projects reports and contribute to grant applications; present at seminars and national meetings; and participate in research group meetings that may include oral and/or written brief reports.

The postdoctoral candidate will work with PI Brandon S. Cooper in the design and execution of evolutionary genetics research broadly. Projects will focus on understanding interactions between endosymbionts and their hosts, with emphasis on several Wolbachia-infected insect systems. Multiple flexible grants are available to fund this work, and candidates with diverse backgrounds/interests will have the opportunity to work with the PI to design projects tailored to their interests. Specific projects may include analysis of Wolbachia evolution through time and space, unraveling the genetics and cell biology of Wolbachia transmission and reproductive manipulation, and identifying the factors governing rapid spread of Wolbachia through host populations. See our recent publications for more information. The Cooper lab shares an entire floor with four other evolutionary genetics groups, providing an excellent intellectual environment .

The overall research responsibilities of the position will include using diverse methods (genomics, genetics, microscopy, modeling, and/or field biology), depending on the postdocs interests. We value diverse backgrounds, skills, goals, and career paths. Thus, we encourage applicants with any interest in this position to apply.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, (select one) Letter of Appointment contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Starting salary for this position is $50,000-$55,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in evolutionary biology, genetics, molecular biology or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• Ability to devise and articulate a research plan with defined goals, and design sound experimental strategies with appropriate controls
• Proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard
• Ability to learn and apply new skills appropriate to conduct necessary research
• Proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to scientific and non-scientific audiences
• Ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
• Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
• Ability to maintain a safe working and learning environment
• Ability to achieve project goals within time and budget
• Strong conceptual background in evolution, genetics, host-microbe interactions, and/or molecular biology
• Expertise in computational, statistical, and/or cellular (imaging) analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Working expertise in evolutionary genetics, population biology, genomics, and/or molecular-cell biology
• Ability to design and implement genetic/cellular experiments to address questions about the evolution of host-microbe interactions

About the Division of Biological Sciences and UM

The Division of Biological Sciences at The University of Montana-Missoula delivers high-quality academic programs in the biological sciences. The division’s mission includes educating students at all levels from the baccalaureate to the doctoral, so that they develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to succeed as professional biologists and as citizens in a rapidly changing world facing problems that include significant biological components; to foster strong research programs that create new knowledge, understanding, and approaches in biology and that enhance the learning environment for students; and to apply biological science to benefit the university, state, region, nation and the world.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday , June 5, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular