We are currently recruiting at all levels for January 2026! If you are interested in joining the lab, please reach out to Ben (br.hopkins@ufl.edu).
What background should I have?
Work conducted in our lab is highly interdisciplinary, incorporating both computational and wet lab approaches. We encourage applications from folks with any background broadly focused on evolution, development, genetics, genomics, or molecular and cell biology. But far more than prior experience, what we value above all else is curiosity. And that applies at all hiring levels—from undergraduate to postdoc. So if you think the work we do sounds interesting but are worried that your prior background may not be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out regardless.
Postdocs
The lab is currently recruiting postdocs. Stable funding with multi-year potential is currently available from start up funds. Longer term, I encourage all postdoc applicants to apply for fellowships. That way, you are covered by lab funds for the first couple of years, but eventually transition to your own fellowship. This can give you both more time and more flexibility in pursuing new projects. I am very happy to work with you to develop your research proposal.
PhD students
Most students in the lab will likely apply to either the Genetics & Genomics graduate program run by the University of Florida’s Genetics Institute or the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences run by the University of Florida College of Medicine. Students interested in pursuing a PhD in the lab should reach out to Ben to determine which course best fits their interests. Funding for students comes from a variety of sources, including internal funds, training grants, and fellowships (e.g., the NSF GRFP).
Undergraduate research
Undergraduate researchers are an integral part of our lab’s research program. Please get in touch with Ben if you are a student at UF interested in working in the lab.
The broader lab environment
We are based on the 4th floor of the Cancer Genetics Research Complex building. Our immediate neighbours include PIs from both the Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology and the Department of Biology. Collectively, these labs share interests in evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, developmental biology, and functional genetics. Between us, we cover substantial taxonomic ground: mice, axolotl, Drosophila, C. elegans, and plants. Members of the Hopkins Lab interact regularly with our neighbours and collaborators across campus.
Ben R. Hopkins 