The University of Texas at Austin is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Ancient DNA and Molecular Genomics within the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. Based in Austin, Texas, USA, this funded research position offers an opportunity to establish molecular laboratory capabilities for ancient DNA research in collaboration with experts in genomics, computational biology, and evolutionary genetics. Applications will be reviewed immediately and remain open until the position is filled.
The successful candidate will join the laboratory of Dr Vagheesh Narasimhan, working closely with Dr Ainash Childabayeva, Dr Melissa Kemp, and computational researchers at the Oden Institute. The role focuses on developing laboratory workflows for recovering, preparing, and sequencing DNA from archaeological and historical specimens while supporting collaborative research in population genetics, molecular genomics, and evolutionary biology.
Key responsibilities include developing ancient DNA extraction protocols, establishing clean laboratory workflows for degraded DNA, preparing sequencing libraries, assessing DNA quality, and applying targeted enrichment methods where appropriate. The postdoctoral researcher will also train laboratory personnel, contribute to laboratory management, and work with computational researchers to generate high-quality molecular datasets.
The appointment also includes contributing to scientific publications, collaborative research projects, and grant applications while supporting the growth of an emerging ancient DNA research programme. Applicants with experience working on degraded DNA from archaeological, forensic, museum, environmental, or clinical specimens are encouraged to apply if they meet the required qualifications.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow in Ancient DNA and Molecular Genomics
- Institution: University of Texas at Austin, USA
- Department: Department of Integrative Biology, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
- Research Discipline: Ancient DNA, Molecular Genomics, Population Genetics, Evolutionary Biology
- Location: Austin, Texas, USA
- Job Type: Postdoctoral
- Contract Duration: Not specified
- Start Date: Not specified
- Working Hours: Not specified
- Salary/Funding: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, with full university benefits
- Required Qualification: PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology, or a related discipline
Research Area
This position supports research in:
- Ancient DNA and Archaeogenetics
- Molecular and Ancient Genomics
- Population Genetics and Evolutionary Biology
- Computational Biology and Genomics
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Eligibility / Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology, or a related discipline.
- Experience in DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing library preparation, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Experience handling degraded or low-input DNA samples with strong contamination control practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work independently and within interdisciplinary research teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ancient DNA laboratory methods, archaeological, museum, or palaeogenomic specimens, and clean-room laboratory practices.
- Experience with hybridisation capture, targeted enrichment, long-read or short-read sequencing technologies, and bioinformatics analysis.
- Knowledge of population genetics and evolutionary genomics.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Develop and optimise ancient DNA extraction protocols from archaeological and skeletal materials.
- Establish clean laboratory workflows for degraded DNA, including contamination control and quality assurance procedures.
- Prepare sequencing libraries, perform DNA quantification, quality assessment, and quality control for next-generation sequencing platforms.
- Collaborate with computational researchers to generate high-quality molecular genomics data.
- Train graduate students and laboratory staff in molecular techniques and clean-room laboratory practices.
- Contribute to laboratory management, collaborative research projects, scientific publications, and grant applications.
Application Process
Applicants should prepare all required application materials before submitting their application through the university’s online recruitment system. Applications are reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position has been filled.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
- Contact information for three professional references
- Representative publications or preprints
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 2 July 2026
- Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Click Apply Now to submit your application for this Postdoctoral Fellow in Ancient DNA and Molecular Genomics position.
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Institutional Overview
The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university in the United States with a strong reputation for teaching and scientific research. The Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences supports collaborative research by bringing together experts from different disciplines to solve complex scientific problems using computational methods. The Department of Integrative Biology studies biological diversity, evolution, genetics, and adaptation through laboratory and field-based research. Researchers have access to modern facilities, shared expertise, and interdisciplinary partnerships that support work in ancient DNA, molecular genomics, computational biology, population genetics, and evolutionary biology.
Explore more postdoctoral fellowships, ancient DNA jobs, archaeogenetics positions, molecular genomics careers, and academic research opportunities by visiting HigherJobz regularly for the latest international vacancies.
