Job Description

The successful candidate will develop and apply molecular and computational methods to identify the biological sources of DNA recovered from diverse sample types. The research will include the development of approaches to characterize DNA from complex, degraded, and potentially mixed-source samples. Sample types will include, but are not limited to, sedimentary (sedaDNA) and other ancient DNA recovered from archaeological contexts.

The research forms part of interdisciplinary projects that combine genomic analyses with perspectives from biocultural anthropology, species ecology, and related fields. The successful candidate will help integrate these approaches to investigate past and present relationships between people, other organisms, and their environments.

The candidate will undertake laboratory work in both a state-of-the-art ancient DNA facility and a contemporary DNA laboratory. The position offers opportunities to develop and apply molecular methods, conduct bioinformatic analyses, and contribute to interdisciplinary research using ancient and contemporary DNA.

The anticipated start date is January 19, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Funding is available for two years, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding. The initial appointment will be for one year and will serve as a probationary period, with continuation subject to a successful performance review. During this time, there will also be opportunities to pursue additional grant funding to support continued appointment. The fellow will be expected to drive projects toward publication, contribute to grant development, and actively engage with the broader EEB community.

• Develop molecular and bioinformatic methods for identifying biological sources of DNA in diverse sample types.
• Process and analyze ancient and contemporary metagenomic samples
• Contribute to establishing the contemporary DNA laboratory and developing molecular workflows.
• Order and oversee lab equipment and reagents for lab spaces.
• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and other research outputs.
• Contribute to grant applications and the development of future research projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
• PhD in Evolutionary Biology or a closely related field.
• Experience:
• Experience conducting genomic research and large-data analysis.
• Strong background in genomics and bioinformatics.
• Experience designing experiments and collecting quantitative biological data
• Experience using Bash/Unix/Python for large-data processing
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications appropriate to career stage
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Interest in mentoring students and contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, communicate scientific findings effectively, manage research projects, and contribute to a positive laboratory environment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with metagenomic datasets and software
• Wet-lab experience conducting ancient and contemporary DNA analysis
• Familiarity with advanced molecular methodology, e.g., building single-stranded and double-stranded genomic libraries
• Experience working with/in High-Performance Computing Systems
• Experience managing independent research projects from conception to publication
• Interest in developing independent research questions related to animal decision making, cognition, and behavioral ecology

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• Anticipated hiring range: $57,000-60,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

Please send the following materials to Dr. Alida de Flamingh (adeflami@utk.edu):

• Curriculum vitae
• A cover letter that includes:

1. The candidate’s educational background and prior research experience,
2. Current research focus and future research goals, including what topic(s) they hope to pursue as a postdoc in the WIGL Lab
3. Perceived competencies and experience in relevant skills, including molecular wet-lab work, scientific writing, coding/bioinformatics, statistical analysis, and experimental methods,
4. What they hope to gain from this position and how it will support their long-term development as a scientist

• Two letters of recommendation emailed by your recommender directly to r. Alida de Flamingh (adeflami@utk.edu)
• A PDF of a first-author publication (published or in press)

About The College/Department/Division:

EEB is in the top 10% of ecology programs in North America based on research impact (Keville et al., 2017), ahead of peer institutions such as UCLA and UC San Diego. Our faculty and students come from around the globe. Our faculty is a mix of internationally known senior researchers and an energetic group of junior faculty at the cutting edges of their fields. We train graduate and undergraduate students with research interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, conservation biology, behavioral and population genetics, computational biology, development of theory for evolution and ecology, ecosystem and community ecology, global change biology, diverse areas of organismal biology, and biology education.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!