Postdoc-Hittinger Lab: Yeast Evolutionary Genomics and Synthetic Biology
Title: Research Associate
Research Area: Yeast Evolutionary Genomics and Synthetic Biology
Department: Genetics and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC)
Mentor: Chris Todd Hittinger, PhD
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Position Requirements: The Hittinger Lab in the Department of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to study yeast evolution, ecology, or bioenergy applications using data from Y1000+ Project (http://www.y1000plus.org), which has now sequenced the genomes of essentially all >1000 known budding yeast species (Opulente et al. 2024 Science).
A PhD in Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work in a collaborative environment. The ideal postdoctoral candidate will be highly motivated to develop an independent research project in the Hittinger Lab. The candidate should have a strong background in molecular and/or evolutionary genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, microbiology, metabolic engineering, and/or synthetic biology. Experience in machine learning/artificial intelligence (AI/ML), yeast genetics, multi-omics, or metabolic engineering are particularly desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Job Duties: This is a one-year postdoctoral position, with the possibility of an extension, under the supervision of Dr. Chris Todd Hittinger at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center. Projects are available to study basic and fundamental principles of evolution and ecology using this dataset, as well as to mine it for bioenergy research. Many projects are coupling artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) predictions with rigorous experimental validation. Metabolic engineering and multi-omic projects to produce advanced biofuels and bioproducts using S. cerevisiae and non-conventional yeasts are also available.
The postdoctoral researcher will also be involved in interdisciplinary research throughout the Center. Responsibilities will include, but not limited to: performing independent research, assisting in mentoring junior lab members, and contributing to peer-reviewed journals.
Application Instructions: Please send a CV, p/reprints, and contact information for 2 references, including one supervisor, to cthittinger@wisc.edu. Specifically mention why you are interested in the position in your email. Apply by 15th August 2025 for full consideration, but strong applications may be considered sooner.
Website: http://hittinger.genetics.wisc.edu/
Salary: NIH Rates
Percent Time: 100%
Start Date: Negotiable
Contact Name: Chris Todd Hittinger, PhD
Contact Email: cthittinger@wisc.edu