Postdoctoral position on the evolution, genomics, and development of
trophic specialization and novel craniofacial morphology in Caribbean
pupfishes

The Martin Fish Speciation Lab at the University of California, Berkeley
in the Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
seeks a postdoctoral scholar for genomic, phenotypic, functional, and/or
developmental studies of adaptive phenotypes in a radiation of trophic
specialist pupfishes. Pupfishes present a rare opportunity to investigate
the rare origins of adaptive radiation and the evolution of novel niches
(e.g. scale-eating) localized to only two locations, San Salvador Island
in the Bahamas and Laguna Chichancanab in Mexico, despite thousands of
similar Caribbean environments. This position includes opportunities for
fieldwork with collaborators in Mexico, but no previous field experience
is necessary and participation is not required.

We are seeking postdoctoral applicants with expertise or interest in
*genomics, phenomics, functional morphology, genetics, or craniofacial
development*.

Multi-year positions are available (initial 24-month appointment with the
possibility of renewal for three more years). This research is funded by
NIH NIDCR R01 and NSF CAREER grants. Start date is flexible. Salary is
based on the recently negotiated rates for the UC system, commensurate
with experience, approximately $67,000 per year with annual raises.

Potential projects in the lab include:

1) Characterization of adaptive morphology within San Salvador Island or
Chichancanab pupfishes using micro-CT scans, GWAS, QTL mapping, and
analyses of selective sweeps and introgression.

2) Validation of candidate adaptive variants using HCR in situ
hybridization, reporter assays, CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts, chemical inhibition,
or other developmental approaches in the pupfish system.

3) Connecting specific phenotypes to performance through behavioral assays
and kinematic studies of feeding success.

Required qualifications:

Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biology, evolution, genetics, development,
bioinformatics, or related field. Publication of work based on
dissertation.

Preferred qualifications:

Strong background in either genomics, phylogenetic comparative methods,
microCT analysis, or evolutionary developmental biology.

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

UC Berkeley has a world-class community of integrative biologists studying
adaptive radiation spanning the Department of Integrative Biology, the
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, the Department of Environmental Science,
Policy, and Management, the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology,
the Center for Theoretical Evolutionary Genomics, and more. The City of
Berkeley and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area is known for its
progressive values, vibrant social and cultural scene, and beautiful
surrounding environment.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their
interest in the position and relevant experience along with their CV to
Chris Martin at chmartin@berkeley.edu

This position is open until filled, but applications will be reviewed
immediately after this posting. Please feel free to contact me at the
below email address with any questions.

Christopher Martin

Associate Professor and Curator of Ichthyology
Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
University of California, Berkeley

chmartin@berkeley.edu

https://ib.berkeley.edu/labs/martin/

@fishspeciation.bsky.social

chmartin@berkeley.edu

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
golding@mcmaster.ca)