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Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral ScholarApplication Window
Open date: July 2, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Aug 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Aug 28, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Dr. Stepfanie Aguillon in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA invites applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar. This position is an in-person two-year appointment, contingent upon satisfactory performance after the first year, with a flexible start date as early as October 2026.
Research in The Aguillon Lab focuses on understanding the speciation process through the use of genomic datasets collected from the field and natural history collections. Ongoing research leverages hybridizing bird systems, which provide natural experiments that test the boundaries between closely related species.
The successful candidate will analyze whole genome sequencing datasets from a North American woodpecker hybrid zone to characterize patterns of introgression and selection, and connect genomic variation to phenotypic and environmental variables. The position involves analyzing existing data, leading publications, writing grants, and potentially collecting new data in the molecular lab and field. In addition to working with existing sequencing data, the postdoc will have the flexibility to develop independent research projects and collaborate with other lab members: including working with long-read genomic sequencing for the study of genomic structural variation and collecting phenotypic data from museum specimens to study coloration.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in the study of speciation and hybridization. They will have strong bioinformatic coding skills for the study of genomic datasets from birds and/or hybrid zones and molecular lab and/or field experience. Importantly, the ideal candidate will have an interest in joining a new and growing lab community. Potential candidates are encouraged to read more about The Aguillon Lab before applying: The Aguillon Lab.
Qualifications
• PhD in evolutionary biology, ecology, genomics, or a related field by appointment start date
• Demonstrated ability to work with genomic datasets
• Strong writing skills with a record of peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to lead independent projects and work collaboratively as a team
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter - Must include the following information: (i) description of your specific research interests and your past/ongoing work; (ii) why you are interested in the position and your relevant expertise in bioinformatics; (iii) brief summary of your future career goals and how this position fits within those goals.
Representative Publications - PDFs of 1-3 publications; at least one must demonstrate the analysis of sequencing data
Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
Statement of Research (Optional)
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
- 3-4 required (contact information only)
• 2-3 letters of reference required (contact information only)
Help contact: mhernandez@lifesci.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment