The Tate lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Scholar interested in evolutionary immunology and host-microbe coevolution to work on an NIH-sponsored project (award R35GM138007).

About the position: The Postdoctoral Scholar will investigate the constraints and trade-offs that shape the evolution of immune signaling networks in insects and other organisms using evolutionary genomics approaches, mathematical and computational modeling, or both, depending on the interests and skill-set of the postdoc.

Potential research questions include:

1. Across insect taxa, how do evolutionary pressures from parasites interact with host development to shape the genetic architecture and deployment of immune systems?
2. How does immunological variation influence the coevolutionary trajectories of hosts and parasites?
3. What should an “optimal” immune system look like, and can theoretical predictions explain variation across a broad range of taxa from plants to insects to humans?

The postdoc will have flexibility to develop independent lines of research during their appointment. Ideal candidates will be comfortable conducting research with a high degree of independence, learning new methods, writing manuscripts, and presenting their work at conferences. The postdoc should be willing to co-mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and bring a collaborative and collegial spirit to the lab. The position is available as early as Spring 2021, although the start date is negotiable. The postdoc may begin the position remotely, subject to HR approval.

About the lab: The Tate Lab is a collegial group of students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff studying the evolutionary ecology and systems biology of infection and immunity by integrating computational methods with experiments in insects. We value collaboration, cohesiveness, and inclusivity. The lab prioritizes development of trainees’ career and professional skills. More about our group can be found on our webpage: https://my.vanderbilt.edu/tatelab/

About the institution: The Department of Biological Sciences contains a highly collaborative set of research labs with particular strengths in evolution, molecular biology, and genetics. The Tate Lab is affiliated with the Center for Evolutionary Studies, the Institute of Infection, Immunology and Inflammation (VI4), and the Data Science Institute, which connect and provide resources to researchers with similar interests across Vanderbilt University and Medical Center. The Vanderbilt Office of Biomedical Research and Training provides an array of resources for the career development of Postdoctoral Scholars, and hosts an active Postdoctoral Association. Vanderbilt is a renowned private R1 research institution founded in 1873 and located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is internationally recognized for its music and culinary scene, and is surrounded by state parks and other opportunities to escape into nature.

Required qualifications: A Ph.D. in a biological or related discipline (or firm expectation of receiving one prior to starting the position).
Preferred qualifications: A background in evolutionary biology and previous experience in genomics AND/OR computational modeling is strongly preferred. The candidate should be creative and self-motivated, have strong oral and written communication skills, and be collegial and collaborative. The candidate should have a track record of scientific publications (pre-prints are acceptable) and conference presentations commensurate with career stage.

Compensation: Full salary and benefits will be provided. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the expectation of renewal in subsequent years depending upon satisfactory performance.

How to apply: Please send a CV and a cover letter (1-2 pages) describing research interests and experience, future career goals, and reason for interest in this particular position. Please include the contact information for three academic references at the end of the cover letter. Using the email header “Postdoc position interest,” please send these materials to a.tate@vanderbilt.edu. Review of applications will begin on March 15th, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.