The Fishman Lab at the University of Montana ( with the Finseth Lab at Scripps College) is seeking a postdoctoral associate to join our NSF-funded research programs in plant evolutionary genomics. The focal project investigates the roles of satellite DNA, centromeric proteins, and linked genes in selfish chromosomal drive through female meiosis. The postdoctoral associate's key responsibility will be analyses of satellite DNA diversification across functionally distinct centromeres, using new chromosome-scale genome assemblies of yellow monkeyflowers. Monkeyflowers are a uniquely powerful system for investigating how selfish centromeres violate Mendelian rules, while~40 new genome assemblies from across the genus also provide excellent opportunities for exploring the evolution of plant genome architecture more broadly. Therefore, we particularly encourage applicants interested in developing their own long-term research program on chromosomal evolution and/or genetic conflict. The postdoctoral associate's primary activities will include: �Using genomic and epigenomic (e.g., CenH3 Cut&Tag) analyses to understand satellite DNA diversification and its relationship to centromere functional variation �Contributing to training and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students �Disseminating project results through publications (i.e., writing papers) and presentations �Participating in outreach and training/teaching activities, including a bioinformatics SURE and CURE The postdoc would ideally also contribute to other aspects of the centromere drive project (e.g., field work, genetic mapping, transcriptomics, functional assays), develop related research questions, and engage with other collaborative projects on selfish evolution, adaptation, and/or speciation in monkeyflowers. The postdoc will be co-mentored by Dr. Lila Fishman (University of Montana, Missoula, MT;http://www.fishmanlab.org) and Dr. Findley Finseth (Scripps College, Claremont, CA;https://www.findleyfinseth.com/). The postdoc may choose to work and live in either location (but not a third remote location), with support available for cross-institution travel.Both Missoula and Claremont offer awesome quality of life and strong intellectual communities. Missoula is a welcoming mountain town with abundant outdoor recreational opportunities nearby, and the five highly-interactive evolutionary genomics labs at UM share a new research space and dedicated wetlab/ bioinformatics support staff. Claremont is a liveable suburb of Los Angeles and the Claremont Colleges provide the perfect training context for those interested in a research-active PUI career. Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Plant Biology, or a related discipline, as well as experience generating, analyzing, and interpreting large (epi)genomic datasets. The successful candidate is also expected to have a solid background in biostatistics, a strong work ethic, and excellent logical problem-solving and communication skills. A track record of research activity resulting in publications and evidence of a commitment to mentoring undergraduate students is also expected. Prior experience with the population genetics of conflict/selfish evolution, plant cytogenetics or epigenetics, and/or genomic analysis of repetitive DNA elements in any system would be particularly valuable but is not required. Salary and appointment term: ~$65,000-70,000 per year (depending on prior experience) with full benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year, with up to 2 additional years possible pending satisfactory performance and no changes to current funding. The start date is flexible, but ideally in Fall 2025. The University of Montana (hiring institution) is an Equal Opportunity and ADA/EOE/Veteran's Preference Employer. Applications are due by July 30, 2025 for full consideration. Potential applicants are welcome to email Lila (lila.fishman AT umontana.edu and Findley (ffinseth AT natsci.claremont.edu) directly with any questions about the project or work/life in either location. However, applications can only be considered if submitted through the UMJobs page for the position, following the directions there:https://apply.interfolio.com/169143. Lila Fishman, PhD (she/her) Professor and Director,Ecology &Evolution Graduate Program Division of BiologicalSciences University of Montana, Missoula MT 59812 ----- The Fishman Lab (www.fishmanlab.org) is seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our research program in plant evolutionary genomics at the University of Montana. The NSF-funded focal project uses comparative genomics/transcriptomics, genetic mapping, and functional approaches to investigate a novel reproductive trait, touch-sensitive stigma movement. This complex trait, in which the bilobed stigma closes rapidly upon touch (like a tiny Venus flytrap) but re-opens slowly in the absence of legitimate pollination, involves mechanosensing, signal transduction, turgor regulation, cell shape, and pollen-sensing components. Touch-sensitive stigma movement has undergone many independent transitions (likely one gain + multiple losses) across core Lamiales and has been repeatedly lost in self-pollinating monkeyflowers (Mimulus). This multi-scale variation creates tremendous opportunities for integrated macro- and micro-evolutionary research into novel trait diversification using new chromosome-scale monkeyflower genomes and related resources. Therefore, we particularly encourage applicants interested in developing a long-term research program at the intersectionof pollination biology, evolutionary genomics, and functional genetics. The specific research activities will depend on the postdoc's interests/background, but must include: �Transcriptomics/genomics analyses to characterize stigma gene networks and their evolution both within monkeyflowers and across representative closing and non-closing Lamiales plus one or more of the following components: �fine-mapping of loci underlying recent losses of stigma closure within monkeyflowers �functional studies (microscopy, cellular genetics, molecular validation, etc.) to refine candidate components and loci �pollination experiments and/or field population genomics to test evolutionary significance of stigma closure Regardless of research focus, the postdoc will: �help train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students �participate in lab outreach and community-building activities �disseminate project results through publications (i.e., writing papers) and presentations �have the opportunity to develop novel research directions and collaborate on other lab projects on plant adaptation and speciation The position provides some flexibility for periodic remote work, but the postdoc is expected to be physically based at the University of Montana (Missoula, MT) and fully engaged in local lab activities. Missoula is a welcoming mountain/college town that offers excellent quality of life (including awesome outdoor recreation) and a vibrant intellectual and artistic community. The five highly interactive evolutionary genomics labs at UM share a custom research space and dedicated wetlab/ bioinformatics support staff, and the Fishman Lab and UM are committed to providing custom career development opportunities for postdoctoral researchers. Qualifications: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Plant Biology, or a related discipline. The successful candidate is also expected to have a solid background in statistical/bioinformatic methods used in plant genomics/transcriptomics and familiarity with plant morphology/anatomy, as well as a strong work ethic and excellent problem-solving, written communication, and time management skills. A track record of independent research activity resulting in first-authored publications is required. Prior experience in floral developmental biology,plant transcriptomic analysis (e.g. WGCNA), quantitative genetics, and/or population genomics would be particularly valuable. Salary and appointment term: $65,000-70,000 per year (depending on prior experience), with full benefits. The initial appointment will be for one year, with 1-3 (depending on interests/activities relative to full project goals) additional years possible pending satisfactory performance and no loss of current funding. Start date is flexible, but ideally in Fall 2025.The University of Montana is an Equal Opportunity and ADA/EOE/Veteran's Preference Employer. To apply: Applications are due by July 30, 2025 for full consideration. Potential applicants are encouraged to email me (lila.fishman@umontana.edu) directly with any questions about the project/position or life in Montana.However, applications can only be considered if submitted through the UMJobs page for the position, following the directions there:https://apply.interfolio.com/169142 Lila Fishman, PhD (she/her) Professor and Director,Ecology &Evolution Graduate Program Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana, Missoula MT 59812 web:www.fishmanlab.org email:lila.fishman@umontana.edu The University of Montana acknowledges that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people.We honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come. "Fishman, Lila" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)