Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Amanda Lea at Vanderbilt University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on questions at the interface of evolutionary anthropology and genomics. Work in the lab uses genomic tools to study human evolution, biology, and health. This work is done in partnership with subsistence-level human populations that are currently transitioning to more urban and market-integrated lifestyles, with a focus on how urban exposure across the life course impacts gene regulatory variation and physiology. A complementary focus of the lab is using massively parallel reporter assays to understand causal molecular relationships. To read more about our research, please visit lea-lab.org/publications and lea-lab.org/research.

The applicant should have interests that are aligned with the overall themes of the lab. Available projects will focus on analysis of genomic data, and applicants should expect to spend much of their time engaged in computational work (as well as some wet-lab and/or field work, depending on the specific project). Applicants should thus have a strong quantitative background. Strong data analysis skills, including programming and statistical modeling experience, are essential. Experience with at least one of the following ‘omics data types is strongly preferred: RNA-seq, bisulfite sequencing or methylation array, whole genome sequencing, or massively parallel reporter assays. Applicants should have excellent organizational skills, a positive attitude, and be comfortable working as part of a large, interdisciplinary, and international team.

The Lea lab strives to provide a supportive and inclusive research environment that fosters interdisciplinary training and collaborative exchange. The lab is based in Vanderbilt’s Department of Biological Sciences. We are also affiliated with the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute and the Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative.

The anticipated start date is October 1, 2023, but this is flexible. Candidates must have obtained their PhD in a related field prior to the start date. The term of the position will initially be for one year, with extension contingent on performance and funding.

Please email a CV, names of 3 references, and a cover letter describing your interests and fit for the position to Dr. Amanda Lea: amanda.j.lea@vanderbilt.edu. Please reach out with any questions.