Job Type: Student / postdoc
Salary Details: The postdoctoral researcher will receive salary and benefits according to the rate determined by the University of California academic salary scales. https://apo.ucsc.edu/docs/scales-crnt.pdf
Deadline: Aug 31, 2023
The Palkovacs Lab in Coastal and Freshwater Ecology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is searching for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a project funded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to use genetic data to track success of admixture propagation and translocation for the endangered, highly endemic Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum). This project will use captive breeding to increase the genetic diversity of isolated populations and genetic monitoring to track the reproductive success of released animals. This novel approach represents a proactive conservation method to increase the resilience of this endangered species to climate change. This project is in partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, and Ellison Conservation Center.
The postdoctoral researcher will receive salary and benefits according to the rate determined by the University of California academic salary scales. The project duration is three years, renewed annually. A start date of October 1, 2023 is preferred, with some flexibility given the short timeline. The position will be based at the UCSC Coastal Science Campus (in-person required).
Applicants with experience in amphibian husbandry, breeding, and population genetics are strongly encouraged to apply. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to lead or assist with the following tasks:
- Husbandry and captive breeding of endangered salamanders
- Monitoring health of captive animals
- Mentoring a team of undergraduate researchers
- Measuring amphibian egg and larval survival
- Measuring amphibian growth and thermal physiology
- Developing and testing microhaplotype genetic markers
- Collecting data on larval density in the wild
- Taking larval tissue samples for genotyping
- Setting up and maintaining a project database
- Analyzing genetic data to track fitness in the wild
- Measuring environmental characteristics of breeding ponds
- Preparing project reports and peer reviewed publications
- Giving talks for scientific, management, and public audiences
UCSC is committed to promoting and protecting an environment that values and supports every person in an atmosphere of civility, honesty, cooperation, professionalism and fairness. UCSC expects that every campus member will practice these Principles of Community.
To apply: Please submit a cover letter describing your relevant interests and experiences, CV, and contact information of three professional references to Professor Eric Palkovacs (epalkova@ucsc.edu) by August 31, 2023.