Biology Postdoc Researcher at Montana State University, USA | Earn Up to $60,000 Annually

Biology Postdoc Researcher at Montana State University, USA | Earn Up to $60,000 Annually

How can genomic data reveal the history of species that repeatedly experienced isolation and renewed gene flow? This biology postdoc researcher opportunity at Montana State University explores that question through evolutionary genomics, population genetics, and machine learning. The selected researcher will lead software development for an NSF-funded project investigating speciation.

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
• University: Montana State University
• Department: Ecology, College of Letters & Science
• Announcement Number: STAFF – VA – 27117
• Position Number: 4C2677
• Appointment: Research Professional, 1.0 FTE

About The University and Research Team

Montana State University’s Department of Ecology is recruiting for research led by Assistant Professor Ethan Linck, alongside external collaborators. The project examines speciation under alternating cycles of gene flow and isolation, combining computational methods with empirical and theoretical research.

Biology Postdoc Researcher Role Description

The researcher will develop a software tool to infer more realistic speciation scenarios from genomic data. Working with the Principal Investigator and research team, they will contribute to method development, software dissemination, and scholarly publications.

The position also offers opportunities to contribute to research on evolutionary theory and the effects of sea-level change on divergence in Melanesian birds.

Biology Postdoc Researcher – Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of open-source, machine learning-based software for inferring evolutionary history from genomic data.
• Design and run population genetic simulations to generate training data and validate theoretical predictions.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and graduate students on empirical and theoretical speciation research.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Develop software documentation and support adoption of the tool by the research community.

Educational Requirements and Eligibility For Biology Postdoc Researcher

• Qualification: PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Experience in scientific programming and computational data analysis.
• Demonstrated research productivity through publications, presentations, other scholarly work, or dissertation research.

Skills and Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Professional conduct when representing the department, college, and university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying machine learning to biology or genomics.
• Knowledge of population genetics theory and simulation methods.
• Experience developing or contributing to open-source software.

Biology Postdoc Researcher – Salary and Benefits

The annual salary is $55,000–$60,000, depending on experience, education, and qualifications. The position is benefits-eligible.

Application Documents

Applicants must upload:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover letter addressing each required and preferred qualification.

Application Details

• Application Screening Begins: October 30, 2026.
• Application Window: Applications remain open until an adequate applicant pool is established; no fixed closing date is listed.
• Start Date: Upon completion of a successful search.
• Funding: The position depends on continued grant funding, currently anticipated through December 31, 2028.
• Available Positions: One.
• Position Enquiries: Assistant Professor Ethan Linck — [email protected].

Interested in developing computational tools to understand how species diverge? This biology postdoc researcher role at Montana State University combines software development, genomic analysis, and evolutionary research. If your doctoral background and programming experience match the requirements, prepare your CV and a cover letter addressing every qualification.

APPLY ONLINE HERE