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Postdoctoral Scholar in Evolutionary Biology, Microbial Ecology

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Salary range: See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $69,073 - $82,836
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2026
Position duration: Two Years

Application Window

Open date: May 1, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Jun 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The postdoctoral scholar will be responsible for designing and carrying out field and laboratory experiments and simulations related to the goals of the NSF Biology Integration Institute (BII) - INstitute for Symbiotic Interactions, Teaching and Education in the face of a changing climate (INSITE).

The postdoctoral scholar will conduct work related to the squid/Vibrio beneficial symbiosis, focused on exploring the short term, long term and future impacts of global climate change across this system.

The postdoctoral scholar will have expertise in at least one of three sub-fields: (1) ecophysiology of either animal or microbial populations, (2) experimental biology with experience in population genomics and molecular biology, and (3) computational biology and/or bioinformatics.

Preferred candidates will also have experience with handling marine invertebrates in the field and laboratory settings, and experience or a strong interest in conducting experiments and/or simulations that manipulate climate conditions that are predicted to impact all life on Earth.

In addition to these responsibilities, the postdoctoral scholar will also be required to work on a research plan with their interdisciplinary team, as well as practice grant writing, prepare manuscripts, present their work at international and/or national conferences, collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students, help train new
scholars in the institute, and complete an individual development plan with the director and the research team leaders to guide them in their work.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Computational Biology/Sciences, Conservation Ecology, Ecology/Evolution, or Genetics.

Additional qualifications

Familiarity with microbial symbiosis and/or computational biology.

Preferred qualifications

Additional postdoctoral experience desired but not necessary for the position.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

    "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

    Required Authorization of Information Release may be found at the linked page. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02167

Help contact: snspersonnel@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.

Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.

Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.

Job location

Merced, CA