The Opportunities: The Marine Mammal and Turtle Division (MMTD) and Fisheries Research Division (FRD) at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA/NMFS) seek highly motivated candidates for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. Both research divisions have several funded projects focused on developing and using genomic tools to investigate the ecology, evolution, and population dynamics of various marine mammal, sea turtle, and fish species to contribute to their conservation and management. Both postdocs will participate in a larger network of bioinformatics specialists across NOAA genetics labs.

One postdoc will lead a project within the Marine Mammal Genetics Program (MMGP) designed to generate the data sets and code needed to develop large SNP panels for multiple marine mammal species that are of high management concern. The data generated in the core project will provide exciting opportunities to pursue projects on comparative genomics, population structure, and demography.

The second postdoc will lead a project to develop and enhance workflows to examine spatial and temporal variability of marine mammals, sea turtles, and fishes from eDNA samples collected from the Southern California Bight from multiple platforms.

These are 3-year, full-time positions offering comprehensive benefits packages, including moving expenses. The positions are based in La Jolla, CA, open to everyone, regardless of citizenship.

Qualifications: Candidates must have bioinformatics experience, including managing and analyzing large genetic datasets, producing workflows for genomic data analysis, and familiarity with using GitHub for version control and collaborative coding. In addition, the candidate should be proficient with programming in R and bash, and with working in the LINUX command line environment. Laboratory experience with next generation sequencing protocols, such as ddRAD or low-coverage whole genome sequencing, is beneficial but not required. Applicants must have earned a Ph.D., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M., or academically equivalent research doctorate no more than five years prior to applying.

Anyone interested in applying should contact Karen Martien ([log in to unmask]), Eric Archer ([log in to unmask]), or Aimée Lang ([log in to unmask]). Additional information regarding benefits and the application process can be found at https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/rap/for-applicants.