The Fishman (University of Montana, www.fishmanlab.org) and Finseth (Scripps College, www.findleyfinseth.com) Labs seek a postdoctoral researcher to collaborate on projects related to genome evolution in monkeyflowers. We (and the ideal candidate) have a strong interest in how centromere functional variation, satellite DNA evolution, and chromosome structure contribute to meiotic drive and speciation (and vice versa). The successful candidate will have bioinformatics skills, comparative and/or population genomics expertise, and the conceptual/theoretical/empirical background necessary to readily engage with multiple new chromosome-scale genome assemblies (Lovell et al. 2026) and (epi)genomic datasets. Yellow monkeyflowers (Mimulus guttatus species complex) are a rare system with active centromeric meiotic drive in natural populations (see Stark-Dykema, Finseth et al. 2026 for a recent update). This unique system allows for investigation of the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary consequences of centromeric drive, while diverse monkeyflower genomes extend the opportunity to explore the patterns and processes of chromosome evolution across deeper time scales. We anticipate that the postdoc will lead papers addressing key evolutionary questions about centromere turnover, as well as chromosome structural evolution, at both scales. We would be most excited for the postdoc to be fully integrated into the Fishman Lab (in Missoula MT, an awesome college town near Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks) or the Finseth Lab (in Claremont CA, an awesome college town near Los Angeles). However, the primary responsibilities of this postdoc will be the analysis and interpretation of existing or in-progress datasets, plus preparation of manuscripts. Therefore, we are willing to consider remote or partially remote situations for exceptionally motivated and prepared candidates. Engagement with other experimental, population genomic, and pedagogical (e.g., a formal summer undergraduate research program) components of the project is welcomed. In addition, the postdoc will be supported to develop independent research directions in areas of shared interest and to participate in professional development opportunities at UM and elsewhere. We are currently soliciting direct inquiries rather than formal applications for this open postdoctoral position. A start-date no later than September 2026 would be ideal, but we have some flexibility. The appointment will initially be for 1.5 year (~$66,000/year + benefits). Up to 1.5 years of additional support are possible assuming satisfactory performance and no change to our funding. Regardless of the postdoc's home location, the hire and benefits package will be managed through the University of Montana, an Equal Opportunity Employer whose processes follow all relevant federal laws. Potential applicants should email Lila Fishman (lila.fishman@umontana.edu) and Findley Finseth (ffinseth@scrippscollege.edu), briefly describing relevant interests/ background, raising any questions about the position/project, and attaching a CV. We'd also be happy to chat with interested folks in person at PEQG this summer, but please contact us in advance. Dr. Lila Fishman, PhD (she/her) Professor and Director, Ecology & Evolution Graduate Program Director, ECOR Plant & Insect Growth Facility Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula MT 59812 web: www.fishmanlab.org email: lila.fishman@umontana.edu 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)