The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (SBBG) and University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) are jointly soliciting candidates for a full-time, exempt, two-year postdoctoral position for a project titled: Landscape and population genomics of the Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa; Asteraceae) for long term conservation. This is a temporary, two-year position, with an extension for one additional year likely.

This is a multi-year project with frequent travel between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara throughout the project, and with regular, virtual meetings with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies and with environmental consultants. The primary work location will be either at SBBG or UCSC, to be finalized in consultation with the selected applicant. Participation in training and professional development activities offered by the UCSC Paleogenomics Lab, by various California conservation genomics research groups, and by SBBG and affiliated botanical collections curators, is required. This position reports to Dr. Matt Guilliams, Tucker Plant Systematist and Curator of the Herbarium at SBBG, and will be jointly mentored by Dr. Rachel Meyer, Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCSC.

Requested Documents: Application should include: a full CV, and a 1-2 page cover letter which includes: a statement describing the applicant’s previous research experience and future postdoctoral objectives.  Please also provide contact information for two references. Application materials should be submitted via by September 1, 2021.

Essential Duties:

Sample collection along the coast in Central California in collaboration with project partners;
Reference genome assembly of Gaviota tarplant;
Whole genome resequencing of Gaviota tarplant;
Landscape and population genomic analyses including GWAS, simulations, and modeling of potential adaptive or maladaptive evolution;
Professional presentations;
Manuscript preparation.

Qualifications and Experience:

Ph.D. in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Genetics, Plant Science, Biomolecular Engineering or related field must be in hand at time of initial appointment.
Experience in bioinformatic analysis of whole genome resequencing data is strongly encouraged.
At least one previous publication in the following topics is required: plant evolution, conservation genomics, molecular ecology, landscape or population genetics or genomics, population genetics theory, or biostatistics.
Experience with wet lab techniques such as DNA library preparation experience is strongly encouraged.
Experience doing landscape genetic/genomic or demographic modeling with genetic and ecological traits is strongly encouraged.
The candidate must demonstrate excellent writing, organization, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time, bend, squat and hike rugged trails, and safely lift and carry boxes of specimens and supplies (30+ lbs.);
Tolerance of an outdoor work environment.  Exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, wild animals, and sun exposure.
Compensation Range: $60,000 to $70,000, DOE

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision benefits available, as well as 403b, which includes structured employer match

For more information, and to apply, please visit https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/678197/SANTA-BARBARA-BOTANIC-GARDEN-INC/Genomics-Post-Doctoral-Scientist