University of California, Davis
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Postdoctoral Scholar - Henn Lab University of California, Davis in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Postdoctoral Scholar appointment with salary set according to UC postdoctoral salary scales (Table 23); no fixed amount stated in the advert.
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
United States
University
University of California, Davis
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About this position
The Henn Laboratory at the University of California, Davis is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work at the intersection of human genetics, population genomics, and evolutionary inference. The project brings together two connected research directions: selection-guided GWAS methods applied to underrepresented African populations using the Northern Cape Tuberculosis Cohort, and inference of adaptive evolution at HLA/MHC loci in admixed populations.
The postdoc will contribute to a research program that combines genomic data analysis, demographic modelling, simulation, and machine-learning-based selection inference. A major part of the role is the development and maintenance of genomic pipelines and the integration of summary statistics and simulation frameworks for selection analysis. The position also involves work on the SWIF(r) toolkit through collaborations with Brown University and McGill University.
Research tasks include building QC and variant-calling pipelines for next-generation sequencing data, developing population-specific demographic models, training selection-inference models by population and selection regime, and developing HLA simulation tools using msprime and SLiM. The successful candidate will also help execute selection-guided GWAS for traits including BMI, tuberculosis susceptibility, and skin pigmentation, and will contribute to manuscript preparation and conference presentations.
This is a computational and collaborative postdoctoral role within the UC Davis Genome Center and College of Biological Sciences, with opportunities to work across population genetics, statistical genomics, and open-source research software development.
Funding details
Postdoctoral Scholar appointment with salary set according to UC postdoctoral salary scales (Table 23); no fixed amount stated in the advert.
What's required
A PhD in evolutionary biology, statistical/human genetics, computational biology, or a related field is required. Applicants should have experience with population genetic methods and large-scale genomic datasets such as WGS or SNP arrays, proficiency in Python and/or R, and comfort working in Unix/Linux environments. Peer-reviewed publication(s) or manuscripts in preparation are required. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with positive selection statistics such as iHS and XP-EHH or demographic inference tools such as msprime and SMC++, and experience with HLA nomenclature or open-source software development.
How to apply
Apply through UC Recruit at the posted application link and upload the required materials, including your CV, cover letter, statement of research, and the signed Authorization to Release Information form. Submit reference details or letters from 2–4 referees as required. Apply by the review date for full consideration.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.