Evolutionary Scale Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position overview
Position title: Postdoc Scholar Employee-3252
Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: Table 23 . A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073 - $77,030.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Summer 2026
Position duration: 2 years with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.
Application Window
Open date: June 10, 2026
Most recent review date: Friday, Jul 24, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Friday, Aug 7, 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
The Molecular and Cell Biology Department at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Whiteman Lab, in the area of Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics. This postdoc will be part of BCI-EDGE a multi-institution project focused on the evolutionary dynamics and genomic ecology of tropical forests, with datasets and analyses from research plots in Panama, including the Barro Colorado Island. The overarching goal is to understand the evolutionary processes that maintain tropical forest diversity. The project combines whole-genome sequencing, experimental ecology, and more than four decades of spatially explicit demographic data from one of the world's best-studied tropical forests. Broadly, the project will test how ecological interactions, natural selection, natural enemies, hybridization, and environmental gradients shape genetic diversity, adaptation, and species coexistence in tropical tree communities.
This postdoctoral scholar will be based in Berkeley, California, and will lead large-scale population and comparative genomics projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator characterizing introgression, demographic history, and selection across species. This individual will travel periodically to Panama to interface with the other EDGE-BCI postdoctoral scholars.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
This position will be responsible for leading one or more large-scale population and comparative genomics projects under the guidance of the Principal Investigator in BCI-EDGE. This will include management and analysis of large genomic datasets, application of existing computational methods for analysis of population history introgression, selection, and gene/gene family evolution. Modified and/or novel methods will be developed and applied as needed. The position is expected to be the lead author on one or more peer-reviewed publications and accordingly will be responsible for preparing manuscripts describing their results and contributing in a collaborative fashion to other BCI-EDGE manuscripts. The position will document analyses performed and statistical significance of findings, and regularly present progress to PI, at group meetings, and appropriate conferences. As part of the larger BCI-EDGE team, the position will communicate regularly with other investigators and postdocs on this larger team, including several trips to Panama.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program (or equivalent international degree).
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Ph.D. (or equivalent international degree) required by the appointment start date.
No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.
Preferred qualifications

• PhD in evolutionary biology, ecology, plant biology, genomics, or a related field.
• Documented experience in population, comparative, and/or evolutionary genomics, including computational methods for large-scale genome data analysis of population history, selection, and gene/gene family evolution.
• Prior experience managing and analyzing large genomic datasets.
• Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals.
• Excellence in scientific writing .
• Ability to thrive on a diverse team.
• Ability to travel to Panama periodically.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05399
Help contact: whiteman@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
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.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA