Postdoc In Microbial Genomics Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Posting Number
req26052
Department
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Department Website Link
https://eeb.arizona.edu
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
A postdoctoral research position funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available to work with Dr. Katrina Dlugosch at the University of Arizona on the ecological genomics of the evolution of the invasive plant yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). This project studies the evolution of species interactions during range expansion and their impact on the spread of invading plant populations. We have found large differences in the microbial communities associated with yellow starthistle across its range, and evidence that microbial variation alters invader performance. This position will lead efforts to understand the genomic basis of these changes and their impacts on the ecology of invasion, including mapping the genetic basis of microbiome variation in the host plant genome.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with interests and experience in these areas. In addition, there will be opportunities for the postdoc to propose new research directions and to be involved in the mentoring of students.
The successful candidate will join an active lab of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs focused on the rapid evolution of plants in response to novel environments. https://www.dlugosch-lab.net/
This is a one-year appointment.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will lead a large greenhouse genetic mappingexperiment to map the plant genetic basis of plant-associated microbialcommunity variation.
• This work will involve sterile culture of bacteria, greenhouserearing of plants, plant genome resequencing, microbiome sequencing,bioinformatic analyses, and associated manuscript publication.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Skills in microbial culturing.
• Ability to rear plants in a greenhouse or growth chamber.
• Willingness and ability to work independently and in a team as needed.
• Strong writing skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• A doctorate in Biology or a related field upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with research on the evolution and ecology of invasive/weedy plant species.
• Experience isolating DNA for sequencing.
• Experience with bioinformatic analyses of genomic data.
• Authorship of peer-reviewed publications of original research in a field related to the position.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
8/31/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
For additional questions, please contact Dr. Katrina Dlugosch at kdlugosch@arizona.edu.
Open Date
5/26/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant
Please attach a Cover Letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, a CV, and contact information for three references.
Review of applications will begin June 16, 2026.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.