Postdoctoral position in the Perry Lab, UC San Diego

The Perry Lab is seeking a passionate, independent Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate how genomes encode the complexity of the nervous system. We use a comparative approach to uncover the mechanisms that generate neural diversity during development and how that diversity evolves across species to enable different visually guided behaviors. We use the insect visual system as a model; species in the lab include butterflies, mosquitoes, house flies, and Drosophila.

Research Focus  & Projects
We combine single-cell sequencing (10x Genomics) and tests of gene function (CRISPR, transgenesis) to explore:

• The Evolution of Novelty: Identify how novel cell types and gene regulatory networks arise.
• Convergent Evolution: Determine whether the same or different genes and regulatory regions are used in the convergent evolution of complex traits.
• Evolutionary Constraints: Examine how the interconnected nature of neural circuits shapes or limits how the brain evolves.

Current starting points in the lab include projects on the genetic network that specifies polarized light detectors or the genetic basis of spectral tuning and mate preference.

For an overview of our approach, see Perry et al. 2017 Ann. Rev. Genet., Gao et al. 2024 PNAS, and recent papers.

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with 3+ years of lab experience in molecular or developmental biology.
• Preferred: Experience with Drosophila or other genetic model systems. Experience with single cell sequencing methods.
• Interests: Comparative functional genomics, evo devo, genetic tool development, and gene regulation.
• Applicants with first-author publications in competitive peer-reviewed journals are especially encouraged to apply.

Position Details
This is a renewable position with full benefits and a competitive salary based on experience. Start date is flexible. UCSD is a world-class research university in southern California, offering a dynamic, collaborative, and diverse research environment. It provides an outstanding opportunity for postdoctoral training, and we focus on equipping postdocs with extensive training and career development resources to support their future career trajectories.

Trainees are expected to develop real scientific ownership within the lab’s mission. The lab is an environment for people who want to help shape projects, grow quickly, and build a meaningful body of work.

To Apply: Please email a CV and contact information for three references to Prof. Perry (mwperry@ucsd.edu). Please also include a cover letter that describes your interest in research, your ideas for specific lab projects or experiments, and your research goals and career trajectory.

Priority deadline: May 15th, 2026. Position remains open until filled.