I am looking for a postdoc to work on a NOAA funded project on the population genomics of Pacific cod, specifically the importance of gene flow from the Salish Sea into the Gulf of Alaska for adaptation to climate change and productivity. The project is a collaboration with:
- Ben Laurel, Hatfield Marine Science Center, NOAA
- Trond Kristiansen, Farallon Institute
- Kat Meyer, Jennifer Blaine, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Dana Haggarty, Robyn Forrest (Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada
The position is supported by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod Disaster Relief Award on the ‘Importance of Peripheral Populations for Climate Adaptation and Productivity in Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod’. Specifically, the successful candidate will conduct low coverage whole genome resequencing of Pacific cod to investigate the potential for evolutionary rescue of Gulf of Alaska cod by gene flow from peripheral population in the Salish Sea. Selective changes in cod populations of the Salish Sea and the Gulf of Alaska during the mass mortality event caused by the 2016 heat wave will also be investigated. Existing habitat suitability projections under climate change will be modified using physiological tolerances of southern edge populations.
The position is suited for a researcher interested in applying evolutionary and genomic research to practical management, work within an academic environment but with close collaboration with management agencies and provide leadership in project design and development. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with climate modelers, fish physiologists, ecologists and fisheries researchers at federal (NOAA, DFO) and state agencies (WDFW) on evolutionary factors affecting one of the largest commercial fisheries in Alaska. Depending on the candidate’s interests, there may also be opportunities to co-apply for additional research funding, and become involved in student projects.
The position will be based at the Marine Population Genomics Lab of the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS). The lab is part of a larger research group that currently consists of two faculty, four PhD students and one MS student. The group works on the evolutionary and population genomics of marine species, including salmon, cod, herring, sea grass and invertebrates. Exciting new initiatives of the group that may allow involvement of interested candidates are the application of genomic tools in forensic fisheries applications as part of the Center for Environmental Forensic Science, and the use of genomic tools in the management of Atlantic bluefin tuna.
University of Washington Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience. The salary for this position will be $69,264 per year, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Mandatory Qualifications:
Candidates will have confirmed Ph.D. at the time of appointment, in a relevant discipline (e.g., population genomics).
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the theory and application of population genomics
- Extensive expertise in bioinformatic analysis of large-scale next-generation sequencing data, in particular low coverage whole genome resequencing
- Proficiency in population genetic data analysis
- Familiarity with programming languages such as R and Python
- Reliability, professionalism, scientific rigor, and interest in student mentoring
- Strong written and oral communication skills evidenced by publications and talks
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The initial appointment will start as soon as possible with a 100% FTE for one year and potential renewal for another six months.
Application Instructions
All applications should be submitted through Interfolio. To apply for this position, please include the following in your application:
- A letter of intent explaining why you are a good candidate for this position.
- A current CV
- PDFs or DOIs of any published or submitted papers that demonstrate your previous research experience and your rigorous and scholarly approach to science.
- Contact information for at least three references in order of importance.
Applicants with inquiries regarding this position should contact: Lorenz Hauser at (lhauser@uw.edu).