Hiring Department
Division of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Science
Job Description
The Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri invites applications for two full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions in the laboratory of Dr. Sen Xu.
Dr. Xu is seeking a motivated and independent postdoctoral scholar to contribute to federally funded research projects focused on evolutionary and environmental genetics. Research in the Xu laboratory seeks to understand the genetics and evolutionary mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction, meiotic recombination, and obligate asexual reproduction using Daphnia as a model system. Current projects integrate high-throughput genomic sequencing, single-cell sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, and CRISPR-Cas gene editing to investigate fundamental questions in evolutionary biology and genetics.
Routine responsibilities will include conducting animal-based and genomic experiments, developing and implementing experimental and computational analysis pipelines, performing data analysis and interpretation, and maintaining accurate records of research activities. The successful candidate will work closely with laboratory personnel to advance the goals of sponsored research projects. This work is expected to involve substantial contributions to experimental design, genomic data analysis, and scientific communication.
The successful candidate will participate in research design, experimental execution, data analysis and interpretation, presentation of findings at scientific conferences and professional meetings, preparation of materials for grant reports, and manuscript development for publication in peer-reviewed journals. They will also contribute to the training and mentorship of graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and other junior personnel within the laboratory as appropriate.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a related field is required by the start of the appointment. Candidates that have completed all degree requirements for their Ph.D., but the degree that has not yet been conferred, will also be considered.
Application Materials
Applicants must include a cover letter and a full CV.
Application Deadline
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applications received by August 31, 2026 will receive the best consideration.
Applicants may contact Dr. Sen Xu (sxwf7@missouri.edu) with questions about job duties. Contact Talia Gholson (gholsont@missouri.edu) for any questions about the application process.
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Other Information
Please note: This is an in-person role located on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Candidates must be residents of the state of Missouri or willing to relocate prior to the hire date.
Community Information
Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
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