Postdoctoral Scholar in Oak Genomics and Climate Change Adaptation

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (https://www.eeb.ucsc.edu/) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar in oak genomics and climate change adaptation, under the mentorship of Dr. Rachel Meyer, Dr. Blair McLaughlin and Dr. Erika Zavaleta (Conservation Science & Solutions Lab). The project is a collaboration between UCSC and the NGO Point Blue Conservation Science. The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate on 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, and involves lab and 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. 

Starting ~September 2024, applications submitted by July 15 will be given full consideration, but applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Ph.D. must be in hand at time of the initial appointment.

Candidates with the following experience are especially encouraged to apply:

• Experience with plant population and landscape genomics theory and practice
• Experience with plant field collection
• Experience with bioinformatics regarding whole genome sequencing QC, population genomics tools such as ANGSD, Fst, GWAS, landscape genomics is a major plus
• Expertise in spatial analysis in ArcGIS, qGIS, or equivalent
• Strong programming language skills including management and analysis of large datasets
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
• Interest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students