University of St Andrews 
St Andrews, United Kingdom Offer Summary
The University of St Andrews is seeking a Post-doctoral Research Fellow for a three-year project on evolutionary genomics. The role focuses on testing the genetic coupling hypothesis of speciation using field crickets. Key duties include conducting fieldwork in Southeast Asia, annotating reference genomes, phenotyping reproductive barriers, and performing genetic association mapping and gene knockdowns. The position offers a salary between £38,784 and £46,049 per annum for full-time work. Candidates must hold or be near completion of a PhD in evolutionary biology or genomics, with expertise in bioinformatics and functional validation. Desirable skills include genome assembly, behavioral analysis, and RNAi techniques. The contract starts on January 11, 2027, or shortly thereafter. Applications close on November 13, 2026, with interviews scheduled for November 30, 2026.
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Project Description
Applications are sought for a committed post-doctoral research fellow in evolutionary genomics to work on a 3-year project entitled: Testing the genetic coupling hypothesis of speciation.
The project, led by Prof Nathan Bailey at the University of St Andrews, tests one of the most prominent, but surprisingly under-studied, theories explaining rapid divergence via sexual trait-preference coevolution: the genetic coupling model of speciation. We will comprehensively test this model using ultra-high resolution genetic mapping, comparative genomics, and gene knockdown studies in the original group of organisms in which it was proposed: field crickets. The project involves collaborators Prof Michael Ritchie at the University of St Andrews, Prof Thomas Schmitt at the University of Würzburg, and Prof Xiao Zhang at Tianjin Normal University.
The primary duties will be to:
- Perform fieldwork to collect multiple species of a well-studied southeast Asian field cricket genus, Teleogryllus
- Further information and informal enquiries may be directed toSequence and annotate chromosomally contiguous reference genomes
- Phenotype reproductive barrier traits including acoustic and chemical preferences
- Perform ultra-high resolution genetic association mapping to identify reproductive barrier loci
- Analyze the evolutionary history of barrier loci using comparative genomic approaches
- Functionally validate candidates using gene knockdowns
- Analyze data, write and submit manuscripts, and present at conferences
The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in evolutionary biology/evolutionary genomics, with expertise in bioinformatic analysis of next-generation sequencing data and functional validation approaches. Experience with the following specific methods is desirable: genome assembly and annotation using long read, Hi-C, and transcriptome data; behavioural analysis of sexual traits and preferences; comparative genomics; RNAi, fieldwork.
The post is available for 36 months starting 11th January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Information enquiries can be directed to Nathan Bailey: nwb3@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 13 November 2026 Interview Date: 30 November 2026
Please Quote Ref: AR3357CM
Job Description: AR3357CM FPs.pdf
Biology (Centre for Biological Diversity)
Salary: Grade 6, £38,784 - £46,049 per annum
Start Date: 11 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter
Hours: 36.25 hours per week, Full Time
Duration: Fixed Term for 36 months