The Rogers Lab aims to discover genetic solutions that help organisms overcome evolutionary challenges. When organisms are faced with rapid or drastic shifts in selective pressures, how do different sources of genetic variation help them adapt to changing environments?  We study the role that complex mutations like duplications, deletions, rearrangements, and TE movement play in evolutionary change.  We suggest that complex mutations may function as the “Hopeful Monsters” of the genetic world, offering a key source of evolutionary innovation.
 
We are searching for postdocs to work in evolutionary genomics of structural variation, gene duplications, and transposable elements.  We study these mutations in a variety of organisms including non-model systems with new genetic resources. Existing datasets within the lab can be leveraged for insight regarding how population size influences evolutionary outcomes.  We have whole genome data for freshwater mussels, fireflies, elephants, and Drosophila.   Current funding could support new sequencing for genomes and transcriptomes in other organisms of interest or new analyses could be implemented on public data.  Postdocs must be committed to scientific publication.
 
The ideal postdoctoral candidate will have strong experience in coding, data analytics, and HPC usage, although experimental lab expertise will be beneficial as well. We hope to find lab members who are excited to address open questions in evolutionary theory that help us better understand how genomes evolve.  Members of the lab are expected to contribute to the research community and benefit from local evolutionary genetics working groups, seminar series, and conferences.  Established lab members can gain experience in mentorship with undergraduates if desired.  Remote positions cannot be considered, so postdocs should expect to work on the GW campus in newly remodeled lab space. 
 
The DC Area offers vibrant social and personal opportunities including museums, live performances, outdoor activities, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Postdocs at GW are eligible for Benefits (https://hr.gwu.edu/postdoc_benefits) including retirement plans, medical, dental, and vision insurance.  Compensation will follow NIH pay scales.

 Interested candidates should email Rebekah.Rogers@gwu.edu to discuss their research interests and the application process. All hires are subject to HR approval, a background check, and valid work authorization status. Initial appointments will be for 1 year with the option for renewal given positive performance.

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
evoldir@evoldir.net)