Hamilton Lab
Plant Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics
Open Positions
Research Technologist - Forest Genetics
The Hamilton Lab is actively seeking a Research Technologist in Forest Genetics for Fall 2026
The Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management currently has an opening for a research technologist in forest genetics. The successful candidate will assist in research on projects associated with conservation and restoration genetics of forest trees. Duties will include setting up and maintaining experiments in the lab, greenhouses, or field. This will include but is not limited to processing plant material for sequencing, including DNA extractions and gel electrophoresis, field data collection and entry, field research plot maintenance, greenhouse maintenance, organizing lab equipment and supplies, and contributing to the maintenance of shared lab spaces. The position requires attention to detail and an ability to follow instructions. The candidate must be organized and able to work independently as well as within a group. Interest in plant biology, geography, and the environment is beneficial, experience in the use of R for statistical analysis and previous experience in the molecular lab is considered an asset. Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your interest. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.
Postdoctoral Scholar
The Hamilton Lab is actively seeking a postdoctoral scholar for Fall 2026
The Hamilton Lab (http://jillahamilton.com/index.html) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to funded research program aimed at studying the role of demography and selection to evolution in long-lived trees. The researcher will analyze full-genome resequencing data from green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), a species native to North America that has naturalized in non-native Europe range to characterize the role demographic and genetic changes may have to the evolutionary trajectory of a species introduced to novel environments. This research will quantify the role demography, genetic variation, and selection to evolution within forest tree species, addressing critical hypotheses needed to manage evolutionary responses of trees in response to natural and anthropogenic change, with particular emphasis to potential applications to Emerald ash borer susceptibility and resistance. The post-doctoral position is highly interdisciplinary, with the potential to combine environmental data and phenotypic data alongside genome resequencing to identify regions of the genome that contribute disproportionately to adaptation to novel environments. The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant and complement the Hamilton Lab’s broad interests in understanding the genomic basis of adaptation, the role of hybridization to adaptation, and the evolution of species barriers in forest tree systems. The position requires a Ph.D. in forestry, evolutionary biology, population genomics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Applicants must be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire. The postdoc will work closely with the PI, collaborators, and lab personnel to lead research in the lab and field and contribute to ongoing grant-writing activities. Familiarity with analyzing whole-genome resequencing data, demographic analyses, genotype-environment association analyses, and expertise using and trouble-shooting bioinformatic tools, as well as experience using Unix or Linux environments is required. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to analyze genomic, phenotypic and climatic datasets, lead preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, present findings from the research project, and contribute to outreach associated with the project. In addition, there will be ample opportunity to pursue research questions besides those of the particular study. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines, identify and troubleshoot promising new methodologies independently, and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel, exciting questions.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
The Hamilton Lab is actively seeking a undergraduate research assistants for Fall 2026
The Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management currently has openings for part-time research assistants. The successful candidates will assist in research on projects associated with conservation and restoration genetics of forest trees. Preference will be given to full-time registered Penn State undergraduate students. Duties include setting up and maintaining experiments in the field, greenhouse, and lab. This will include but is not limited to field plot maintenance including the use of mowers and weed whackers, field data collection and entry, greenhouse maintenance, including the propagation and planting of trees, processing plant material for sequencing, including DNA extractions and gel electrophoresis, organizing lab equipment, supplies, and contributing to the maintenance of shared lab spaces. This position requires attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions. The candidate must be organized and able to work independently as well as within a group. Interest in plant biology, geography, and the environment is beneficial. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Access to a personal vehicle is a plus but not required. Must be willing to work in a variety of environments, including outdoors and in the greenhouse. The candidate must be able to stand for extended periods and be able to occasionally lift or move material weighing up to 50lbs with or without assistance.
Other Hiring Resources
NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship program (for Canadians)
Marie Curie International Research Fellowships
Please email me your CV and I'd be more than happy to discuss opportunities.
Research Technologist - Forest Genetics
The Hamilton Lab is actively seeking a Research Technologist in Forest Genetics for Fall 2026
The Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management currently has an opening for a research technologist in forest genetics. The successful candidate will assist in research on projects associated with conservation and restoration genetics of forest trees. Duties will include setting up and maintaining experiments in the lab, greenhouses, or field. This will include but is not limited to processing plant material for sequencing, including DNA extractions and gel electrophoresis, field data collection and entry, field research plot maintenance, greenhouse maintenance, organizing lab equipment and supplies, and contributing to the maintenance of shared lab spaces. The position requires attention to detail and an ability to follow instructions. The candidate must be organized and able to work independently as well as within a group. Interest in plant biology, geography, and the environment is beneficial, experience in the use of R for statistical analysis and previous experience in the molecular lab is considered an asset. Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your interest. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.
Postdoctoral Scholar
The Hamilton Lab is actively seeking a postdoctoral scholar for Fall 2026
The Hamilton Lab (http://jillahamilton.com/index.html) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to funded research program aimed at studying the role of demography and selection to evolution in long-lived trees. The researcher will analyze full-genome resequencing data from green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), a species native to North America that has naturalized in non-native Europe range to characterize the role demographic and genetic changes may have to the evolutionary trajectory of a species introduced to novel environments. This research will quantify the role demography, genetic variation, and selection to evolution within forest tree species, addressing critical hypotheses needed to manage evolutionary responses of trees in response to natural and anthropogenic change, with particular emphasis to potential applications to Emerald ash borer susceptibility and resistance. The post-doctoral position is highly interdisciplinary, with the potential to combine environmental data and phenotypic data alongside genome resequencing to identify regions of the genome that contribute disproportionately to adaptation to novel environments. The aims of the position will be tailored to the expertise of the successful applicant and complement the Hamilton Lab’s broad interests in understanding the genomic basis of adaptation, the role of hybridization to adaptation, and the evolution of species barriers in forest tree systems. The position requires a Ph.D. in forestry, evolutionary biology, population genomics, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, or a related field. Applicants must be able to provide evidence that all requirements have been met for completion of the Ph.D. prior to the effective date of hire. The postdoc will work closely with the PI, collaborators, and lab personnel to lead research in the lab and field and contribute to ongoing grant-writing activities. Familiarity with analyzing whole-genome resequencing data, demographic analyses, genotype-environment association analyses, and expertise using and trouble-shooting bioinformatic tools, as well as experience using Unix or Linux environments is required. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to analyze genomic, phenotypic and climatic datasets, lead preparation and publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, present findings from the research project, and contribute to outreach associated with the project. In addition, there will be ample opportunity to pursue research questions besides those of the particular study. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate across biological disciplines, identify and troubleshoot promising new methodologies independently, and use the appointment to develop and pursue novel, exciting questions.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
The Hamilton Lab is actively seeking a undergraduate research assistants for Fall 2026
The Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management currently has openings for part-time research assistants. The successful candidates will assist in research on projects associated with conservation and restoration genetics of forest trees. Preference will be given to full-time registered Penn State undergraduate students. Duties include setting up and maintaining experiments in the field, greenhouse, and lab. This will include but is not limited to field plot maintenance including the use of mowers and weed whackers, field data collection and entry, greenhouse maintenance, including the propagation and planting of trees, processing plant material for sequencing, including DNA extractions and gel electrophoresis, organizing lab equipment, supplies, and contributing to the maintenance of shared lab spaces. This position requires attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions. The candidate must be organized and able to work independently as well as within a group. Interest in plant biology, geography, and the environment is beneficial. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Access to a personal vehicle is a plus but not required. Must be willing to work in a variety of environments, including outdoors and in the greenhouse. The candidate must be able to stand for extended periods and be able to occasionally lift or move material weighing up to 50lbs with or without assistance.
Other Hiring Resources
NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology
NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship program (for Canadians)
Marie Curie International Research Fellowships
Please email me your CV and I'd be more than happy to discuss opportunities.