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We're Hiring!

Postdoctoral Associate

  • 510010
  • Main Campus - Starkville, MS
  • Mississippi - Main Campus
  • 031100 - Biological Sciences
  • Professional
  • Regular Full-Time 12-month
  • Opening on: Dec 19 2025

Position Function:

The Brown Lab at Mississippi State University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the PhyloFisher v2: Advancing Accuracy and Reproducibility in Deep Phylogenomics project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The position focuses on evolutionary genomics, high-performance computing, and software/database development for large-scale phylogenomic workflows. Applicants should have experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis, strong written/oral communication skills, and preferably expertise in phylogenomics and Python and R programming. Essential duties include those listed below. Perform large-scale analyses including phylogenomics, comparative genomics, and differential gene expression; curate orthologs and contribute to expanding PhyloFisher v2 (~400 eukaryotic and prokaryotic markers). Develop, optimize, and maintain PhyloFisher software/database components; implement efficient pipelines on HPC systems; carry out specialized computational tasks beyond the scope of departmental staff. Integrate genomic datasets to inform species concepts for targeted microbial eukaryote groups. Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; collaborate with an international team of investigators; contribute to manuscripts, documentation, and public releases of tools and datasets.

Salary Grade:  UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform large-scale analyses including phylogenomics, comparative genomics, and differential gene expression; curate orthologs and contribute to expanding PhyloFisher v2 (~400 eukaryotic and prokaryotic markers). Develop, optimize, and maintain PhyloFisher software/database components; implement efficient pipelines on HPC systems; carry out specialized computational tasks beyond the scope of departmental staff. Integrate genomic datasets to inform species concepts for targeted microbial eukaryote groups. Mentor undergraduate and graduate students; collaborate with an international team of investigators; contribute to manuscripts, documentation, and public releases of tools and datasets.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in biological sciences discipline, Record of scholarly publication

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Applicants should have experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis, strong written/oral communication skills, and preferably expertise in phylogenomics and Python and R programming in a Unix environment.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Typical office and professional environment.

Instructions for Applying:

Apply online. Applications should include a CV, a statement of research interests and contact information for three references.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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