"Postdoc - Microbiome - Innovative Genomics Institute"

Position overview

Position title: Postdoc

Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: UC Salary Scales. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073 - $77,030.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Spring 2026

Position duration: Initial appointment is for two years with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability.

Application Window

Open date: December 15, 2025

Next review date: Tuesday, Dec 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jan 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The lab of Dr. Spencer Diamond at UC Berkeley's Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to join a highly collaborative team of researchers, who are tightly integrated within IGI's Berkeley Initiative for Optimized Microbiome Editing (BIOME). Projects will focus on characterizing model microbiomes using genome-resolved multi-Omics methods, statistical/metabolic modeling, and machine learning. The postdoc will apply these approaches to generate a systems-level understanding of microbiomes including the importance of individual microbial species, microbe-microbe interactions, plasmids, and phages in the behavior of a whole microbiome. These efforts will be closely integrated with those of a multidisciplinary team from UC Berkeley, UCSF, and UC Davis to design strategies to alter microbiome behavior through targeted genetic editing. Specific projects are flexible but include characterizing the microbiomes of the bovine rumen, development of methods for metabolic functional guild analysis, microbiome stable state modeling, and employing AI for predicting rumen microbiome collective behaviors. This work is supported by a long term fully funded grant program, will allow significant flexibility in project design, and is supported by IGI core resources such as large sequencing allowances and a comprehensive in-house computational infrastructure.

The Diamond Lab integrates genome-resolved multi-omics, machine learning, and the design of 'communoids' - laboratory-based microbial consortia that mimic natural microbiomes - to uncover principles governing microbiome function and resilience. Specifically, the lab studies how microbiome features, such as genes, species, and their interactions, shape community collective behaviors that influence human health and climate change.

Responsibilities:

• designing and executing experiments
• data management
• data analysis
• manuscript preparation
• presenting research
• contributing to grant proposals
• mentoring students

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the appointment start date.
• No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.

Preferred qualifications
PhD in Microbiology, Computational Biology, Genomics, Systems Biology, Statistics, Machine Learning or related discipline
Publication record in Microbiology, Metagenomics, Metabolic/Statistical Modeling, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology or related fields.
Demonstrated experience in some or all the following areas:

• Environmental Microbiology / Microbiomes, specifically bovine rumen microbiomes
• Genome Resolved Metagenomics
• Microbial Statistical Ecology
• Microbial Metabolism
• Metabolic and/or Statistical Modeling
• Network Analysis
• Systems Biology
• Machine Learning and Machine Learning Frameworks
• NGS Data Analysis
• Programming proficiency in R or Python
• Training and Mentoring Junior Scientists

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05234

Help contact: sdiamond@berkeley.edu

Job location
Berkeley, CA