Insect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Research Associate- Department of Biological Sciences, Keyhani Lab
Hiring Department: Biological Sciences
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041353
Posting Close Date: June 30, 2026
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 to $65,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation's preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent "Best Colleges" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary:
The Keyhani Lab has a position open for a Postdoctoral Research Associate broadly within the field of fungal-insect interactions, with a special focus is on ambrosia beetles and their symbiotic fungal partners. Duties of the successful candidate will be determined based upon the interests and career goals of the individual but will deal with some aspect of fungal and insect molecular biology, fungal genomics/transcriptomics, and/or fungal natural products discovery.
Experience in one or more of the following is highly desired (in order of importance): (1) fungal and/or insect molecular genetics, i.e., construction of targeted gene knockouts, RNAi, etc, (2) experience in bioinformatics: i.e., analyzing -omics data, e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics (fungal and/or insect), (3) fungal cell biology including microscopy, e.g., fluorescent and confocal, (4) fungal natural products discovery, and/or (5) insect (ambrosia beetle) rearing and maintenance. Specialized knowledge concerning ambrosia beetle symbioses, mycangial structure/function is not required but would be a plus.
The successful candidate would conduct research and assist with training laboratory personnel in shared research objectives. He/She would perform data analysis and manage, document, and help with the dissemination of research activities for publication and outreach, as well as participate in general lab maintenance and safety. Opportunities for field work will also be provided depending upon the interests of the candidate.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts aimed towards research goals in understanding of fungal and insect genetics and biology with a focus on the ambrosia beetle-fungal partner symbioses
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results
• Help train undergraduate and graduate students in research/bioinformatic methods, use of equipment, record keeping, and laboratory database entry

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Microbiology, Fungal Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related field
Preferred Qualifications
A minimum of 2-3 years related research experience.
Strong background in fungal/insect bioinformatics, including ability to analyze large -omics datasets, e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics. Experience in genome assebly, annotation, and/or phylogenetic analyses, a plus.
Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology and biochemistry. Highly desired: Experience in fungal molecular genetics, ability to constrcut and screen targeted gene knockouts. Preferred: Experience in use of CRISPR and/or RNAi in fungi and/or insects, experince in protein expression and purification.
Mentoring: The Keyhani lab is dedicated to providing strong mentoring and career enhancement opportunities for the candidate. Based on mutual consultation, the PI will facilitate the candidate: (1) attending and presenting research findings in suitable national/international society meeting at least once a year, (2) publication of research outputs in a timely manner, (3) participation in teaching and outreach efforts including potentially at the Field Museum of Chicago, the Mycology Association Club, and other groups. The laboratory ethos is highly collaborative with a passion for fungi and insects and works with the desire to ensure the success of all members.
Final authorization of the position is subject to availability of funding.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.