Fungal-Insect Molecular Biology & Genetics 

Posting Close Date: 06/30/2026

Position Summary: The Keyhani Lab at the University of Illinois, Chicago, has a position open for a Postdoctoral Associate broadly within the field of the molecular biology dealing with fungal-insect interactions, with a special focus on ambrosia beetles and their symbiotic fungal partners. Duties of the successful candidate will be determined based upon the interests and career goals of the individual but will deal with some aspect of fungal and insect molecular biology, fungal genomics/transcriptomics, and/or fungal natural products discovery.

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desired (in order of importance): (1) fungal and/or insect molecular genetics, i.e., construction of targeted gene knockouts, RNAi, etc, (2) experience in bioinformatics: i.e., analyzing -omics data, e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics (fungal and/or insect), (3) fungal cell biology including microscopy, e.g., fluorescent, confocal, expansion, and/or flow cytometry, (4) fungal natural products discovery, and/or (5) insect (ambrosia beetle) rearing and maintenance. Specialized knowledge concerning ambrosia beetle symbioses, mycangial structure/function would be a plus but not required.

The successful candidate would conduct research and assist with training laboratory personnel in shared research objectives. He/She would perform data analysis and manage, document, and help with the dissemination of research activities for publication and outreach, as well as participate in general lab maintenance and safety. Opportunities for field work will also be provided depending upon the interests of the candidate.

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 to $65,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs. The position is renewable yearly and is benefits eligible.

Mentoring: The Keyhani lab provides strong mentoring and career enhancement opportunities for the candidate. Based on mutual consultation, the PI will facilitate the candidate: (1) attending and presenting research findings in suitable national/international society meeting at least once a year, (2) publication of research outputs in a timely manner, (3) participation in teaching and outreach efforts including potentially at the Field Museum of Chicago, the Mycology Association Club, and other groups. The laboratory ethos is highly collaborative with a passion for fungi and insects and works with the desire to ensure the success of all members.

Link to Apply: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/19915?c=uic

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts aimed towards research goals in understanding novel aspects of fungal and insect genetics and biology with a focus on the ambrosia beetle-fungal partner symbioses
• Maintain accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results
• Help train undergraduate and graduate students in research/bioinformatic methods, use of equipment, record keeping, and laboratory database entry
• Opportunities for outreach are available.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Fungal Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related field
• A minimum of 2-3 years related research experience. Note: Position is intended for candidates at the advanced Associate level.
• Must have a background in fungal molecular genetics, i.e., construction of targeted gene knockouts, CRISPR, and/or RNAi
• Strong background in fungal/insect bioinformatics, biochemistry and molecular biology
• Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in biochemistry and molecular biology (such as protein expression, purification)