A two-year postdoctoral researcher position on eelgrass population genomics is available in the group of Dr. Marco Todesco at the Michael Smith Laboratory of the University of British Columbia, located in the beautiful city of Vancouver (BC, Canada). The expected pay is $70,000 CAD per year plus benefits. Research Project: Eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows are found along most of the coasts of North America and are crucial to coastal ecosystems. They are a haven for biodiversity, support the health of coastal waters and fisheries, and are an important contributor to carbon sequestration in the oceans; unfortunately, they are also facing increasing threats from climate change, pollution, and human development. Conservation and restoration efforts are necessary to maintain and expand the important roles of eelgrass in coastal ecosystems. However, eelgrass restoration efforts face very high failure rates, in part due to the fact that plants used in restoration efforts might not be adapted to their new habitat. The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to a project aimed at understanding genetic diversity and the effects of anthropogenic change in eelgrass populations, and the potential of genomic approaches in informing conservation and restoration efforts in eelgrass. The project is co-led by Drs. Marco Todesco, Mary O'Connor (UBC Department of Zoology), and Loren Rieseberg (UBC Department of Botany) and builds on an established network of eelgrass researchers and restoration practitioners, and a partnership with coastal Eeyou communities in Eeyou Istchee. The successful candidate will use population genomics approaches to characterize genetic diversity across eelgrass populations in the James Bay and St. Lawrence River areas, to understand how these populations have been affected by changes in their environment and their potential to adapt to them. Specific research activities include i) generation of a genome assembly for a James Bay eelgrass individual, and construction of an eelgrass pangenome; ii) analysis of patterns of diversity and demographic history of eelgrass populations using whole-genome resequencing data for hundreds of individuals; iii) determination of genetic vulnerability of eelgrass across James Bay and the St. Lawrence River area; and iv) dissemination of results and knowledge generated to the academic community and partners. The postdoctoral fellow is also expected to collaborate with other team members working on seascape genomics and restoration aspects of the project. Candidate qualifications: - PhD in Population Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Plant Genetics, or a related field - Strong research track record, demonstrated by publications, accomplishments, and references - Extensive experience in bioinformatics, genomics, and population genetics - Experience in genome assembly and annotation - Expertise in plant science and ecology is a plus - Strong time-management, organizational, and communication skills - Ability to work effectively both in an independent role and collaboratively with others Environment and opportunities: Vancouver is consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, offering an exceptional quality of life. The Todesco, O'Connor, and Rieseberg labs are part of the Michael Smith Laboratories and the Biodiversity Research Centre, centres of excellence for biomedical research, and ecology and evolution, respectively. The successful candidate will be embedded in an interactive research environment that includes experts in genomics, population genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, and molecular biology. UBC provides access to extensive genomics core facilities and advanced computing infrastructure. Application process: Interested candidates should apply submit their CV, a cover letter summarizing their relevant experience, and contact information for three referees to Winnie Cheung at winnie.cheung@botany.ubc.ca by May 15, 2026, with the subject line: Postdoctoral position in eelgrass population genomics. The position will ideally start on July 1st, 2026, although a later start can be negotiated. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. "Todesco, Marco" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)