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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Invertebrate Symbiosis & Evolution

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Holly Bik. We seek a highly motivated researcher interested in the ecology and evolution of animal-microbe symbioses, with an emphasis on nematodes and other microscopic marine invertebrates. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research program integrating evolutionary biology, genomics, microbiology, and bioinformatics to investigate the diversity, evolution, and functional significance of host-associated microbial lineages.

Research Opportunities

The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to develop independent and collaborative projects focused on one or more of the following areas:

  • Evolution and diversity of animal-microbe symbiosis in marine sediment habitats

  • Phylogenetic and pangenome analysis of host-associated microbial lineages

  • Coevolutionary dynamics between hosts and symbionts, including statistical approaches to detect phylosymbiosis

  • Metagenome assembly and analysis of bacterial/archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered in association with invertebrate hosts

  • Patterns of symbiosis across deep-sea and shallow-water marine habitats

  • Expansion of the meioBIOME snakemake pipeline for computational analysis of host/microbe datasets (see preprint here: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.23.740139)  

The position offers substantial flexibility for developing independent research directions that complement the laboratory's broader goals.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

  • Lead and publish original research in high-impact journals

  • Analyze genomic, metagenomic, and phylogenomic datasets

  • Contribute to grant proposals and collaborative research initiatives

  • Mentor undergraduate and graduate students as appropriate

  • Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings

  • Participate in an inclusive and collaborative laboratory environment

Qualifications

Required

  • Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, symbiosis, or a closely related field (completed before the start date)

  • Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals

  • Experience with microbial genomics and/or phylogenomic analyses

  • Strong computational skills, including proficiency in Linux and at least one scripting language (e.g., Python, R, or Bash)

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

  • Microbial symbioses or host-microbe interactions

  • Phylogenetics and phylogenomics

  • Comparative genomics or pangenome analysis

  • Metagenomics or microbiome analysis

  • Geobiology or microbial biogeochemistry

  • Evolution of marine invertebrates

  • Microscopy and FISH approaches

  • High-performance computing

  • Fieldwork and oceanographic cruise experience

Research Environment

The University of Georgia provides a vibrant and collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art genomics, bioinformatics, microscopy, and high-performance computing resources. The successful candidate will join a dynamic community of researchers in evolutionary biology, microbiology, genomics, ecology, and computational biology, with numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Facilities at UGA relevant to this position include the Institute of Bioinformatics (https://iob.uga.edu/), Georgia Advanced Computing Resource Center ( https://gacrc.uga.edu/), Biomedical Microscopy Core (https://bmc.uga.edu/), and Georgia Genomics and Bioinformatics Core (https://dna.uga.edu/).

Appointment

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible postdoctoral appointment. The initial appointment is for one year and is renewable annually based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding, with the expectation of up to 2-3 years of support. Anticipated salary is $65,000 per year. The anticipated start date is flexible, with preference for candidates beginning between October - December 2026.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit email the following materials to Dr. Holly Bik (hbik@uga.edu)

  • A cover letter describing interest in the position, relevant experience, and career goals

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Questions about the position may be directed to:

Dr. Holly Bik
Department of Marine Sciences & Institute of Bioinformatics
University of Georgia
Email: hbik@uga.edu

For further information on lab culture, mentoring, and professional development, please refer to the following documents: