Organization: Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar: Genetic Mark Recapture in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
The Marine Population Genomics Lab at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) invites applications for a full time Postdoctoral Scholar (PDRA) to develop genomic tools and protocols for large scale genetic mark recapture (GMR) programs in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the northwestern Atlantic. The project is a collaboration among Lorenz Hauser, Ray Hilborn (SAFS) and Steve and Chris Weiner of the The Bluefin Collaborative, a group of commercial, charter, and recreational tuna fishermen and other stakeholders interested in combining innovative science and hands-on fishing experience to improve tuna management. Specifically, the successful candidate will re-sequence tuna genomes to improve estimates of stock structure, reduce the proportion of individuals that cannot be assigned to population, and develop a multiallelic marker panel for routine application in GMR. The project spans population genomics, fisheries ecology and management, as well as fundamental and applied science, and will receive input from a range of stakeholders (e.g. NOAA, ICCAT, DFO).
The PDRA will work within the Marine Ecology Research Lab, a large lab consisting of four faculty, two PDRAs, five PhD students, two Masters’ students and a varying number of undergraduates. Depending on interest, there may be opportunities to become involved in other projects or to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The PDRA will be expected to present results at conferences and in meetings with stakeholders, provide written and oral reports to collaborators, and to publish results in the peer-reviewed literature.
This is a full time, 12-month (1-year) position with possibility of reappointment for a second year, dependent on performancer and funding. University of Washington Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience. Applicants who have met all doctoral degree requirements but have not yet had their degrees conferred may apply. Such candidates will be appointed as a Postdoctoral Scholar Conditional for a maximum of 12 months. Once a degree is conferred the position converts to a Postdoctoral Scholar title for the remainder the appointment term.
Salary: The base salary range for this position will be $5,705 – 6,681 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD or foreign equivalent in Biology, Molecular Genetics, Fisheries Science, Statistics or related disciplines
- Experience in basic laboratory techniques
- Thorough knowledge of population genetics/genomics
- Experience with the analysis of large-scale genomic data
- Demonstrated ability to summarize scientific findings in the form of written manuscripts and oral presentations
Desired Qualifications:
- Interest in collaborating with diverse groups, including bluefin industry organizations, ICCAT, NOAA, and University scientists
- Proficiency in statistics and data analysis
- Experience with the application of genomics in fisheries management and/or natural resource management
- Knowledge/interest in fisheries ecology, including mark recapture experiments.
All applications should be submitted through Interfolio. To apply for this position, please include the following in your application:
- A cover letter
- (if degree is not yet conferred) An official signed letter sent directly from the registrar’s office, graduate college or other appropriate administrative unit from the institution where your degree will be conferred confirming all degree requirements have been met and specifying a date on which the degree will be conferred.
- A detailed CV, including bibliography
- Up to three published or unpublished manuscripts
- Contact details of three academic references
For any queries about this position, please reach out to Professor Lorenz Hauser at [email protected].
Complete applications received by Oct 31, 2025 will be given preferred consideration.
Desired start date: Jan 1, 2026
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
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Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].
