Drs. Rachael Bay and Jay Stachowicz in the Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis seeks to fill a full-time position at the Junior Specialist Level starting in Summer 2026. The position is for one year with the potential for renewal. The position is located at the UC Davis main campus, with regular travel to field sites throughout California. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing field work associated with a reciprocal transplant experiment in eelgrass beds, collection and processing of marine plant samples, and lab work associated with DNA extraction and sequencing. The project involves parallel experiments throughout California and the Jr Specialist will travel to field sites throughout California to assist partner organizations as needed. In addition, the Jr. Specialist will contribute to the interpretation of data and writing up of results for publication and presenting findings to partners. As appropriate, the individual may be a co-author on the presentations and publications to which they contribute. The following are the expected duties:
- Lab and Field Duties (90% effort)
• Working with Drs. Bay and Stachowicz, their graduate students and lab staff as well as partner organizations on new and on-going research activities related to the local adaptation of eelgrass to thermal and other gradients – this includes field work in marine environments and molecular bench work
• Fieldwork could include working in cold and wet conditions during early mornings/late evenings and occasional travel to field sites throughout California.
• Assisting with protocol generation, general lab organization and cleaning and chemical safety
• Plant sample processing, DNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, and other tasks associated with plant sequencing.
• Scheduling and managing of research activities as necessary - Professional Competence and activity (5% Effort)
• Participate and contribute to the development of an inclusive working environment for our research
• Engage in the Bay and Stachowicz labs and the UC Davis Ecology and Evolution Community through participation in meetings and seminars. - Service (5% Effort)
• Assist with lab oversight and maintenance.