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University of California - Santa Cruz

Postdoctoral Scholar in Oak Genomics and Climate Adaptation

University of California - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, us, 95061


Position title:Postdoctoral Scholar in Oak Genomics and Climate Adaptation

Salary range:Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individual's Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. A reasonable estimate for this position is $72,000 - $78,000.

Percent time:Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start:As soon as possible after initial review of the applications. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the initial appointment.

Position duration:Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time and the initial appointment is for a minimum of two years, with the possibility of reappointment. The total duration of an individual's postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution.

Application Window

Open date:

July 5, 2024

Next review date:

Thursday, Aug 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:

Monday, Jun 30, 2025 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 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in oak genomics and climate change adaptation. The project is a collaboration between UCSC and the NGO Point Blue Conservation Science, with the potential for extended collaborations with other UC labs working on oak genomics. The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate on the development of a genome-wide association study on drought tolerance, and landscape genomics on California endemic blue oak (Quercus douglasii), with the goal of informing conservation with climate change, including assisted gene flow and improving ongoing projects on modeling species distributional response to climate change. The position provides a unique opportunity to pursue primary ecological investigation using innovative genomics techniques and action-research to address climate change challenges. The position will involve lab and some field work.

Research in the Conservation Science & Solutions Lab addresses varied aspects of biodiversity science including ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change across terrestrial taxa; conservation practice; and ecological knowledge partnerships for restoration of ecologically and culturally foundational species. Research in the Meyer Lab includes plant genomics focused on population and landscape diversity, and natural and artificial selection. They also run the CALeDNA program and multiple California conservation genomics projects. The postdoctoral scholar will join a vibrant community across two research groups that value collaborative inquiry; inclusive teaching and mentoring; engagement with policy, practice, and non-academic partners; and comprehensive professional development.

Candidates with the following experience are especially encouraged to apply:Experience with plant population and landscape genomics theory and practiceExperience with plant field collectionExperience with bioinformatics regarding whole genome sequencing QC, population genomics tools such as ANGSD, Fst, GWAS, landscape genomics is a major plusExpertise in spatial analysis in ArcGIS, qGIS, or equivalentStrong programming language skills including management and analysis of large datasetsExcellent writing and communication skills, including a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journalsStrong collaborative and interpersonal skillsInterest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs and should be forwarded to Erika Zavaleta (zavaleta@ucsc.edu), Blair McLaughlin (blair.mclaughlin@ucsc.edu) and Rachel Meyer (rameyer@ucsc.edu).

Please refer to Position JPF01797 in all correspondence.

Documents/MaterialsLetter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position (required)Curriculum vitae (required)Names and contact information for three or more references (required)

RECRUITMENT PERIOD

Full consideration will be given to applications completed by August 15, 2024. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology :

https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at the time of application)Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in biology, ecology, or related discipline. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the initial appointment.

Help contact: blair.mclaughlin@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602. UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance. For information about employee benefits please visit the UCnet website.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz:

https://www.ucsc.edu

Job locationSanta Cruz, California#J-18808-Ljbffr