Postdoctoral Scholar: Ecological Drivers of Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Habitat Use
Position Overview
Organization: Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar: Ecological Drivers of Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Habitat Use
Position Details
Position Description
The School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences (SAFS) at the University of Washington, in partnership with the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) and NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead an innovative, multi-disciplinary study investigating the ecological drivers of southern resident killer whale (SRKW) habitat use. The successful candidate will leverage existing environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, oceanographic data, and passive acoustic data to improve ecosystem-based assessments of SRKW habitat use and characterize prey communities.
The Postdoctoral Scholar (PDS) will be physically located in Seattle, WA, joining an established team of fisheries scientists, ecological modelers and molecular geneticists at NWFSC and UW. The Postdoctoral Scholar will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Kim Parsons (NOAA NWFSC) and Dr. Amy Van Cise (UW SAFS). Primary responsibilities include expanding bioinformatic approaches to process eDNA metabarcoding and qPCR datasets, quantifying fish prey community composition, and mapping predator-prey distributions against oceanographic variables to inform management actions to support the recovery of the endangered SRKWs. Multi-modal datastreams will further be used to develop a unified statistical detection model for killer whales, integrating eDNA concentrations, passive acoustic detection rates, and visual sightings to establish a monitoring index for coastal continental shelf waters. The successful candidate will lead peer-reviewed publications, participate in monthly science meetings and present research findings, both formally and informally.
This is a full time, 12-month (1-year) position with possibility of reappointment for a second year, dependent on performance and funding. University of Washington Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience. Applicants who have met all doctoral degree requirements but have not yet had their degrees conferred may apply. Such candidates will be appointed as a Postdoctoral Scholar Conditional for a maximum of 12 months. Once a degree is conferred the position converts to a Postdoctoral Scholar title for the remainder of the appointment term.
Postdoctoral scholars are engaged in full-time, mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence. Given the close mentoring relationship necessitated by the nature of postdoctoral scholar appointments; access to the full university community to support individual development; and, if applicable, visa sponsorship requirements, postdoctoral scholars must be physically present at their place of work on University property to fulfill their appointment duties.
Salary: The base salary range for this position will be $6,681 - $7,309 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
Required Qualifications:
- Must obtain and maintain clearance to work at NOAA/PMEL
- Must be U.S. citizen or national or permanent resident
- PhD or foriegn equivalent in Biology, Molecular Genetics, Fisheries Science, Statistics or related disciplines
- Demonstrated skills in molecular genetic and genomic techniques, including DNA/RNA extractions, qPCR (or ddPCR), NGS library preparation and Illumina sequencing
- Experience with the analysis of large-scale NGS data (bioinformatics)
- Demonstrated proficiency in bioinformatic analyses in R, Python or similar computational computer languages.
- Demonstrated proficiency in summarizing scientific findings in the form of written manuscripts and oral presentations
- Experience working collaboratively and iteratively with diverse scientific partners
- Excellent interpersonal skills (written and oral) demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, collaborative work, classroom experience, etc.
- Demonstrated organizational & time management skills, independently motivated, and scientifically curious
Desired Qualifications:
- Proficiency in statistical & ecological analyses
- Experience processing, curating and summarizing metabarcoding datasets
- Experience working with quantitative eDNA data
- Familiarity with passive acoustic detection data
- Interest in collaborating with diverse groups, including academic, government and non-government organizations
- Experience with the application of genomics in fisheries management and/or natural resource management & conservation
Instructions
All applications should be submitted through Interfolio. To apply for this position, please include the following in your application:
- A cover letter
- (if degree is not yet conferred) An official signed letter sent directly from the registrar’s office, graduate college or other appropriate administrative unit from the institution where your degree will be conferred confirming all degree requirements have been met and specifying a date on which the degree will be conferred.
- A detailed CV, including bibliography
- Up to three published or unpublished manuscripts
- Contact details of three academic references
For any queries about this position, please reach out to Amy Van Cise at avancise@uw.edu or Kim Parsons at kim.parsons@noaa.gov.
Complete applications received by August 21, 2026 will be given preferred consideration.
Desired start date: Dec 1, 2026
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
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Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.