Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA (in person)
Start date: Fall 2027 (flexible)
Duration: 1-3 years (1-year starting contract with potential renewal for an additional 1-2 years)
Salary: $63,580 - $66,948 + benefits
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in ecology, evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics or any related fields
- Demonstrated ability to work with genomic datasets
- Strong writing skills, publication record and evidence of successful project leadership 
Dr. Valentina Alaasam in the Department of Biology at the University of Pittsburgh invites applicants for a postdoctoral scholar position to study evolutionary responses of hummingbirds to urbanization. We are an integrative biology lab interested in the behavioral, physiological, and genetic mechanisms that birds use to cope with anthropogenic change, asking questions both within and across populations. The incoming postdoc should be comfortable (and excited about) using a variety of genomic and computational approaches to explore evolutionary questions in areas such as population genomics and demographic inference, landscape genomics, genotype-phenotype association, functional genomics and transcriptomics, comparative genomics, pangenomics, etc. The position involves analyzing existing genetic data, leading publications, molecular lab work, contributing to grant writing, and potentially generating new data in the field (opportunities to work locally in Pittsburgh, other U.S. cities and/or internationally in Central and South America).  The ideal candidate will have a background in genomics and/or evolutionary biology and strong bioinformatic coding skills. Importantly, we are also looking for a someone who will contribute to building a positive, fun, and inclusive lab culture, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, and contributing to science communication. More info about our research & lab philosophies can be found here: http://www.valentina-alaasam.com   
Dr. Alaasam is committed to supporting postdoctoral professional development by providing opportunities to lead existing projects and publications, contribute to collaborative manuscripts, contribute to grant proposals, pursue their own independent research ideas, mentor students, build relationships with partner organizations, and participate in scientific outreach. The University of Pittsburgh also provides excellent professional development support (https://www.postdoc.pitt.edu/resources).   

Interested candidates should email Dr. Alaasam (valentina.alaasam@gmail.com) with a brief summary of past experience, ideas for future research directions, a CV, and 2-3 references.  Interviews will begin in late October, 2026 and the position will remain open until filled.

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