Update 1 September 2024: This position has now been filled.
Postdoc in temporal population genomics and global change at the University of California Santa Cruz
A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the Global Change Research Group in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of California Santa Cruz. The postdoc will join the NSF-funded Albatross Re-Collection project to study adaptation and population genomic responses to a century of environmental change in Southeast Asia. The project is using DNA sequencing from a unique historical collection of coastal marine fish in the Philippines from the R/V Albatross expedition (1907-1909), complemented with modern re-collections of the same species and locations. The postdoc will join a team of researchers that includes Malin Pinsky (UCSC), Chris Bird (Texas A&M Corpus Christi), Kent Carpenter (Old Dominion University), Brendan Reid (Rutgers U.), Nadia Abesamis (Silliman U.), and others.
The postdoc will lead analyses of low-coverage whole genome population datasets through time and space, mentor junior researchers, and maintain open science standards. The postdoc will also contribute to population genomic workshops and international collaborations in the Philippines. Extensive opportunities for collaboration across the multi-institutional team, across the University of California, and in the region are available, including within the UCSC Genomics Institute, the Institute of Marine Sciences, the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, and NOAA Fisheries.
The position is ideally suited to quantitative researchers with a strong background in population genomics, bioinformatics, data science, and global change. No experience in marine biology required, though experience with population genomic modeling, historical DNA, and/or open science is a plus. Applicants with evidence of creativity, productivity, strong oral and written communication abilities, and enthusiasm are especially encouraged to apply, particularly those that bring a new perspective, new ideas, or a new skillset to the team. A promising record of publication is valued. The successful applicant will be an independent, motivated problem solver who communicates well and enjoys working in a collaborative setting.
New graduates and applicants from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.
The work environment will be on the beautiful Coastal Science Campus at UCSC within a short walk of the ocean and easy access to mountains, open space, and the San Francisco Bay metropolitan area. Research in the Global Change Research Group uses empirical data, mathematical models, and population genomics to study how species adapt to climate change and variability (https://globalchange.sites.
**Position details**
The postdoc start dates are flexible, with preferred dates between December 2024 and June 2025. Salary starts at $64,480 per year, depending on experience (see scales at https://apo.ucsc.edu/docs/
**Application process**
Review of applications will begin on July 1, 2024 and will continue on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should email the following materials to mpinsky@ucsc.edu with “Albatross Re-Collection postdoc” in the subject line: 1) a one page cover letter that describes their interest in the position and their relevant background, 2) a CV, and 3) the names and contact information for three scientists familiar with their work.
Malin Pinsky
Associate Professor
Global Change Research Group
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of California Santa Cruz