Recruit
Postdoctoral Scholar in Plant Genomics with the Earth Research Institute
Position overview
Position title: Postdoctoral ScholarApplication Window
Open date: June 26, 2025
Next review date: Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Aug 15, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Sharbrough lab at the University of California – Santa Barbara is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher who is broadly interested in evolutionary genomics with an emphasis on polyploidy to work on an NSF-funded project. The conceptual direction of the position encompasses uncovering the genetic mechanisms of cytonuclear responses to polyploidization and the phenotypic consequences of polyploidy for cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Experience in some or all of the following areas would be relevant: analysis of NGS datasets, comparative genomics, molecular genetics, confocal microscopy, plant transformation, and plant phenotyping. The postdoctoral scholar will have primary responsibility for the collection, quality control, and analysis of single-cell RNAseq (and other ‘omics) data from a diverse panel of diploid and polyploid wheat and Arabidopsis accessions. The postdoc will also be responsible for phenotyping photosynthetic and respiratory performance in diploids vs. polyploids. As part of this work the postdoc will be guided in the development of their own independent research program and contribute to lab efforts to disseminate our science to other members of the plant genomics community (e.g., by writing papers and attending conferences) and to the public at large (e.g., by participating and designing lab outreach activities).
This is a full-time position. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience. The initial appointment is for 2 years with the potential for an additional year based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Qualifications
Applicants must have completed all requirements for a PhD program (or equivalent) except the dissertation in plant biology or related discipline, at the time of application.
PhD in plant biology or related discipline
2 years experience in comparative genomics/transcriptomics
1 year experience at the command line (R/Python preferred)
2 years experience with various wet-lab techniques (e.g., plant transformation, plant physiology, molecular genetics, etc.)
Strong writing skills/experience
Demonstrated experience working as part of a collaborative team
Interest in graduate/undergraduate mentoring
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
PhD Thesis or Letter from PhD Advisor confirming scheduled defense date - Please provide a copy of your PhD thesis or a letter from your PhD Advisor confirming the scheduled defense date and the completion of all other requirrements.
Publications - PDFs of up to 3 representative publications (preprints acceptable/encouraged)
(Optional)
- 3 required (contact information only)
Please provide the full names, emails and phone numbers (for a possible follow up with the reference provider) of 3 references who are prepared to provide letters of recommendation upon request.
Help contact: rustiebeal@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
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.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
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.