Postdoctoral Research Associate
The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join Professor Tiago Simes' lab, focusing on phylogenomics of squamate reptiles—the largest group of terrestrial vertebrates, with over 11,000 species. The Simes lab specializes in phylogenetic methods and applications, integrating morphological and genomic data to reconstruct evolutionary patterns and processes across deep timescales. The successful candidate will work on phylogenomic inference using hundreds of whole-genome datasets, investigating evolutionary rates across genomes and their correlation with phenotypic traits in squamate reptiles. Key project goals include developing computational resources for genomic and phenotypic data management and analysis, inferring the most comprehensive squamate evolutionary tree to date, integrating fossil data for accurate divergence time estimation, and analyzing the genomic basis of major phenotypic innovations. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, ecology, zoology, paleobiology, computational biology, or a related field, with excellent English writing skills, creativity, and a strong publication record. Preferred qualifications include experience with phenome and genome-scale datasets, expertise in phylogenetic analysis using phylodynamic models, and strong computational/programming skills (e.g., R). The position is a one-year appointment, renewable for a second year based on performance and funding, and includes a competitive salary ($65,000–$70,832) and university benefits. The work is in-person at Princeton University. Applications are reviewed starting August 1, 2025, with an expected start date in January 2026. To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, up to three published papers, and contact information for three academic references via the Princeton application portal. For further information, contact [email protected].
