A postdoctoral research position is available in the newly established lab of Warren Booth in the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech, to study the population genomics and evolutionary dynamics of urban pest insect populations. Work will focus on the underlying genomic mechanisms that permit lineage establishment, persistence, and extinction in highly inbreed systems. This work will include, but are not limited to, studies of insecticide resistance evolution, landscape genetics, and mitochondrial heteroplasmy and recombination, within both experimental and natural populations. A variety of next-generation approaches will be used, including RADseq, low-coverage whole genome sequencing, sequence-capture, and transcriptomics.

The successful candidate will be responsible for participating in experimental design, bioinformatic analysis, and the preparation of peer-reviewed first and co-authored publications. Furthermore, the postdoctoral associate will collaborate with Dr. Booth in writing grant proposals. The candidate will help manage the Booth Lab, including interacting heavily with graduate and undergraduate students, and ordering supplies, etc. The candidate will be expected to present the research at scientific meetings and workshops. There will be an opportunity to assist with the development and delivery of courses related to urban evolutionary biology and/or molecular ecology, taught by Dr. Booth, if desired.

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, a C.V., and contact information for 3 references. The cover letter should include a brief description of previous research experience and interest in the position. Informal inquires can be sent to Warren Booth (currently - warren-booth@utulsa.edu).