Two (2) postdoctoral positions in coral reef fish systematics, taxonomy, ecology, and evolution (University of Texas at Austin and University of Washington)
We (Luke Tornabene at UW and Simon Brandl at UT Austin) are searching for two postdoctoral researchers to work on the taxonomy and systematics (position 1, UW) and ecology and evolution (position 2, UTA) of cryptobenthic coral reef fishes. The positions will be part of a large-scale, collaborative effort to describe and better understand the diversity of these fishes across several locations in the Indo-Pacific, and to build capacity for local researchers to investigate cryptobenthic fish biodiversity. Detailed descriptions and application instructions for each position are provided below and can also be found here https://fishandfunctions.com/join and here https://www.fishsystematics.com/. Candidates are welcome to apply to either or both of the positions if they meet required qualifications. For any questions, please contact Dr. Tornabene (ltor...@uw.edu<mailto:ltor...@uw.edu>) and/or Dr. Brandl (simon.bra...@austin.utexas.edu<mailto:simon.bra...@austin.utexas.edu>). ##################### ##### POSITION 1 ##### ##################### POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ICHTHYOLOGY: CRYPTOBENTHIC CORAL REEF FISHES Institution: University of Washington - School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences & Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Location: Seattle, WA (with fieldwork in the Tropical Indo-Pacific) Start Date: Flexible, ideally during the second half of 2025 Duration: 2 years Application Deadline: Priority given to applications received by 15 February, 2025 Advisor: Luke Tornabene Co-mentor: Simon J. Brandl (UT Austin) The University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position focused on the systematics, phylogenetics, and evolution of cryptobenthic coral reef fishes. This project is in collaboration with the University of Texas and aims to advance our understanding of the biodiversity and evolution of these often overlooked, yet ecologically significant, reef-dwelling fish species. Research Focus: The postdoc will investigate the systematics and evolutionary history of cryptobenthic fishes, a group that includes small, often inconspicuous species that play crucial roles in coral reef ecosystems. The project will combine molecular, morphological, and ecological approaches, with a particular focus on taxonomy, phylogenetics, molecular evolution, and the biogeographical patterns of these fishes across the Tropical Indo-Pacific. Key aspects of the project include: • Phylogenetic and taxonomic analyses using molecular data (genetic sequencing and bioinformatics tools). • Exploration of the evolutionary history and diversification of cryptobenthic fishes in relation to coral reef ecosystems. • Fieldwork in tropical Indo-Pacific regions to collect specimens and assess biodiversity patterns. • Integration of ecological data with molecular and evolutionary frameworks to investigate adaptive radiation, speciation, and niche differentiation. Responsibilities: • Conduct molecular research (including next-generation sequencing) and bioinformatic analyses on fish samples from the Indo-Pacific region. • Perform fieldwork in tropical coral reef environments, including fish collection and ecological surveys. • Contribute to the development of phylogenetic hypotheses and taxonomic revisions for cryptobenthic species. • Collaborate with colleagues at the University of Texas and other partners to integrate ecological and evolutionary data. • Develop and co-lead workshops on morphological and molecular systematics • Lead or co-author manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. • Participate in outreach and educational activities related to coral reef biodiversity. Required Qualifications: • PhD in ichthyology, marine biology, evolutionary biology, or a related field. • Experience with phylogenetic analyses and systematics, ideally including work with fish species. • Knowledge of marine biodiversity, coral reef ecosystems, and ecological interactions. • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals. Desired Qualifications: • Strong background in molecular techniques, including DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution (e.g., RADseq, genome sequencing). • Experience with species delimitation and phylogenetic methods, preferably in aquatic organisms. • Demonstrated ability to conduct fieldwork in remote and challenging environments, preferably in tropical regions. • Scientific diving training. • An interest in exploring the intersection of systematics, ecology, and evolution in biodiversity hotspots like coral reefs. • A collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset and a passion for scientific discovery. Research environment: You will be based in Dr. Tornabene’s Fish Systematics and Biodiversity Lab at the University of Washington, and the UW Fish Collection – part of the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Our lab consists of several graduate students, undergrads and a full time fish collection manager. Beyond the Fish Systematics and Biodiversity Lab, you will have opportunities to interact with Dr. Simon Brandl’s group at the UT Austin, project personnel throughout the Indo-Pacific, and experts in cryptobenthic fish ecology. Application Instructions: To apply, please submit the following materials: 1. A cover letter detailing your research interests and experience as they relate to the project. 2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including publication list. 3. Contact information for three references. 4. (Optional) A sample of a recent publication or research output. Please send your application materials as a single PDF to Luke Tornabene at ltor...@uw.edu with the subject line: "Postdoctoral Application - Ichthyology." The position will remain open until filled, but for full consideration, please apply by 15 February 2025. The University of Washington is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Special consideration will be given to applicants from individuals that identify as a member of an Asian American Pacific Islander community. ##################### ##### POSITION 2 ##### ##################### POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ECOLOGY: CRYPTOBENTHIC CORAL REEF FISHES Institution: University of Texas at Austin, Department of Marine Science – Marine Science Institute Location: Port Aransas, TX (with fieldwork in the Tropical Indo-Pacific) Start Date: Flexible, ideally during the second half of 2025 Duration: 2 years Application Deadline: Feb 15th 2025 Advisor: Simon J. Brandl Co-mentor: Luke Tornabene (University of Washington) The University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Marine Science and the Marine Science Institute invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in Dr. Simon J. Brandl’s Fish & Functions Lab, focused on the population genomics, community ecology, and evolutionary ecology of cryptobenthic coral reef fishes. This project is in collaboration with the University of Washington and aims to advance our understanding of the biodiversity and evolution of these often overlooked, yet ecologically significant, reef-dwelling fish species. Research Focus: The postdoc will investigate seascape genomics and community structure of cryptobenthic fishes, a group that includes small, often inconspicuous species that play crucial roles in coral reef ecosystems. The project will combine extensive field sampling across the Indo-Pacific with molecular, ecological, and quantitative modeling approaches, focusing on the ecological and evolutionary correlates of small body size in these fishes. Key aspects of the project may include: • Fieldwork in tropical Indo-Pacific regions to collect specimens and assess biodiversity patterns • Population genomic analyses of cryptobenthic fish lineages. • Documentation of fine-scale resource partitioning among species using a variety of field and laboratory techniques. • Investigation of species-specific traits, populations, and distributions using large-scale analyses. Responsibilities: • Perform fieldwork on tropical coral reefs, including fish collection and ecological surveys. • Conduct molecular research (including next-generation sequencing) and bioinformatic analyses on fish samples from the Indo-Pacific region. • Define and test hypotheses about the eco-evolutionary drivers of cryptobenthic fish community assembly, population connectivity, and coexistence dynamics • Collaborate with colleagues at the University of Washington and other partners to engage in cryptobenthic fish taxonomy and systematics • Co-lead workshops on morphological and molecular systematics • Lead or co-author manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. • Participate in outreach and educational activities related to coral reef biodiversity. Required Qualifications: • PhD in ecology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field. • AAUS diving accreditation (or equivalent), PADI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent) with extensive experience doing SCUBA-based research • Expertise in population genomics, including laboratory work and bioinformatics. • Knowledge of marine biodiversity, coral reef ecosystems, and ecological interactions. • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong publication record Desired Qualifications: • Strong background in molecular techniques, including DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution (e.g., RADseq, genome sequencing). • Demonstrated ability to conduct fieldwork in remote and challenging environments. • Strong foundation in ecological theory, quantitative ecology, and statistical modeling. • Experience with ocean circulation and current models • A collaborative, interdisciplinary mindset and a passion for scientific discovery. Research environment: You will be based in the Fish & Functions Lab at UTMSI in Port Aransas (~3.5 hours from Austin). The lab consists of 4-6 graduate students, 2-4 postdocs, and several technicians. Beyond the Fish & Functions Lab, you will have opportunities to interact with the broader community at UTMSI, as well as Dr. Luke Tornabene’s group at the University of Washington, project personnel throughout the Indo-Pacific, and experts in cryptobenthic fish ecology, taxonomy, and systematics. Application Instructions: To apply, please submit the following materials as a single PDF: 1. A cover letter detailing your research interests and experience as they relate to the project. 2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including publication list. 3. Contact information for three references. 4. (Optional) A sample of a recent publication or research output. Please send your application materials as a single PDF to simon.brandl [at] austin.utexas.edu with the subject line: "Postdoctoral Application – Cryptobenthic Fish Ecology". The position will remain open until filled, but for full consideration, please apply by February 15th 2025. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
