Postdoctoral Scholar, Comparative Biology

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Hayashi lab at the American Museum of Natural History seeks a motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct research on the population genomics of silk genes in orb-weaving spiders. These spiders produce a variety of silk types with numerous functional differences and the genes that encode these proteins are characterized by abundant gene duplication, complicated repeat structure, extreme homogenization and convergent evolution. We are interested in understanding the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that generate and maintain genomic diversity of these genes.

For lab details see: https://www.amnh.org/research/staff-directory/cheryl-y-hayashi

The project will leverage whole genome sequencing ( WGS) with haplotype phasing across multiple spider populations. Spider silk genes possess complicated hierarchical organization involving SNPs, indels, repeats and paralogs, requiring multi-dimensional measurement of molecular variation. The postdoc will also have opportunities to identify other silkome components under strong selection or pursue additional research with the available WGS data. Field collection and wet lab experiments may be included.

The expected salary for the Postdoctoral Scholar is $71,181/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to be in residence working at the Museum.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Application review will begin January 26, 2026, but applications will continue to be accepted after this date. The position is anticipated to start by April 1, 2026.