Career Center

The Vector Genetics Lab (VGL) at the University of California, Davis has a post-doctoral position available for a highly motivated candidate with a background in population genetics/genomics. The VGL is dedicated to research and training in the areas of population & molecular genetics, genomics and bioinformatics of insect vectors of human and animal disease. We have developed a program aimed at expanding knowledge that may be applied to improving control of disease vectors and that also addresses problems of interest in the field of evolutionary genetics. See details at: https://vectorgeneticslab.ucdavis.edu/

Ongoing projects include work on the following systems:

- Populations of Anopheles malaria mosquitoes on islands off the coast of Africa

- Populations of Plasmodium falciparum in Africa

- Malaria elimination based on Anopheles vectors engineered with Plasmodium-blocking transgenes

- Autonomous CRISPR Cas9-based gene drive in Anopheles mosquitoes

Ongoing research topics include:

- Interspecific hybridization and introgression as a mechanism for adaptation

- The evolution of resistance to transmission blocking effector genes

- Evaluating the behavior of Cas9-based gene drive systems via field trials

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will work on whole-genome sequencing data sets to decipher recent population history and evolution in human malaria parasites and/or Anopheles mosquito vector species.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit the following materials:

- A cover letter
- A curriculum vitae
- List of relevant publications
- Contact information for 3 referees

Send the above combined into a single PDF to Gregory Lanzaro (gclanzaro@ucdavis.edu).

Review of applications will start immediately. This position will be open until filled. The appointment is for a duration of two years.

Required Qualifications:

- PhD in Population Genetics/Genomics, Bioinformatics, or related discipline (theoretical and/or applied)

- In-depth knowledge of population genetics theory

- Demonstrated record of research productivity and publications

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience working in Linux environment

- Experience with genomic data analysis

- Experience with coalescence/IBD methods

- Programming experience (e.g. C/C++, Python/Perl, R)

- Strong mathematical/statistical skills