Postdoctoral Scholar: Tracking the spatial distribution of marine mammals in the California Current using eDNA
Position Overview
Organization: Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar: Tracking the spatial distribution of marine mammals in the California Current using eDNA
Position Details
Position Description
We are seeking a postdoctoral candidate to investigate the 3D spatial distribution of cetaceans in the California Current using eDNA samples previously collected on large-scale surveys of the U.S. and Canada’s West Coast EEZ. This work is part of a larger, ongoing research initiative to improve methodologies allowing the use of eDNA to monitor the spatial distribution of marine mammals, especially targeting species that are vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts and difficult to track visually or acoustically (e.g. beaked whales). The postdoctoral candidate will work closely with their primary supervisor and collaborators at NOAA, focusing on the preliminary use of eDNA samples to characterize the 3D distribution of target cetacean species in the California Current, with the potential to expand to examine the concurrent distribution of prey species. The position will require the use of a combination of techniques including eDNA metabarcoding and bioinformatic processing as well as spatial data analysis. It is anticipated that the project will involve a 40:60 split of labwork: data analysis and writing. Up to 5% of the time may be used to participate in ship-based field surveys for eDNA sample collection, at the discretion of the postdoc and supervisor.
The position is funded for 18 months through the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences at the University of Washington. The ideal project start date is January of 2023. The successful candidate will work in Seattle, both at the University of Washington and in the genomics laboratories at NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center.
Potential candidates who identify with groups traditionally under-represented in the sciences are especially encouraged to apply.
The base salary range for this position will between $5,459 and $7500 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, 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.
Qualifications
- A PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Marine or Aquatic Science, Quantitative Ecology, Fisheries, or other related and quantitative fields is required.
- Fluency in R or similar computational computer languages.
- Demonstrated skills in statistical and spatial modeling, OR competence in core molecular biological techniques and bioinformatics.
- Demonstrated organizational skills, independently motivated, time management, and experience troubleshooting.
- Effective written and oral communication skills demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, classroom experience, etc.
- Experience working with marine mammal research and datasets
Instructions
All applications should be submitted through Interfolio. Application packages should include the following:
- Cover letter outlining interest in the position and how it aligns with career goals
- CV
- Contact information (institution, email and phone number) for two professional references
Applicants with inquiries regarding this position should contact: Dr. Amy Van Cise (avancise@uw.edu).
Applicants requiring disability accommodations during the application process should contact Jackie Chapman (jachap@uw.edu).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).
Privacy Notice
Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.
Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information
Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.