Postdoctoral Scholar - Tarvin Lab - Department of Integrative Biology and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
The University of California, Berkeley
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Postdoc Employee - 3252 Salary range: The UC postdoc salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: Table 23. The current minimum salary range for this position is $71,491 - $79,727. Percent time: 100% Anticipated start: Fall 2026 Position duration: Two years with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.
Application Deadline
Open date: October 11, 2026 Next review date:Monday, Oct 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 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
A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Rebecca Tarvin in the Department of Integrative Biology and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California, Berkeley to study the genetic and physiological basis of kleptocnidy in nudibranch mollusks. The Department of Integrative Biology (IB) is a dynamic group of researchers answering important questions in evolutionary, ecological and functional biology in an interdisciplinary collaborative environment. IB shares rich connections with four natural history museums, and is a leading force in promoting field research and educational opportunities. We address problems relevant to human health and origins, the diversity of life, and biological interactions at all scales. Research in the Tarvin Lab focuses on the genetic and physiological adaptations of animals to naturally occurring toxins. The Tarvin Lab is also based in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, a leader in studies of biodiversity and evolution. Please visit our website for more information about our research and the lab. This position is being hired as part of an NSF-funded project in collaboration with Jessica Goodheart at the American Museum of Natural History to study the process of kleptocnidy, the theft and storage of microscopic stinging structures (nematocysts), in nudibranch mollusks. We are interested in whether this unique process evolved through specialization of phagocytosis, an ancient cellular process used across animals for immune defense and intracellular digestion. The role of the postdoctoral scholar will be to identify the molecular processes underlying kleptocnidy in Californian nudibranchs using RNA-sequencing and pharmacological inhibition assays. The position duties include, but are not limited to: Carry out original scientific research related to dietary theft in nudibranchs, including animal husbandry, genomics, molecular biology, physiology and field work within the U.S. International field work is an opportunity that may arise during the course of employment. Write and publish peer-reviewed papers and other scholarly material on the results of the research. Present scientific results at professional meetings, scientific institutions, and, when appropriate, to the media and popular audiences. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to develop new projects in the context of our research program. Department: https://ib.berkeley.edu/ Lab: https://www.tarvinlab.org/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications(required at time of application)PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program. Additional qualifications(required at time of start)PhD (or equivalent international degree) by the start date. No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date. Preferred qualifications• Track record of research productivity as evidenced in first-author publications. • Demonstrated ability and willingness to work both collaboratively and independently under the supervision of the PI/Advisor. • Experience in experimental design, physiology, and/or genomics. • Willingness to work with live animals in the lab and field. • Familiarity with nudibranch mollusks or other marine invertebrates.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Reference requirements 3 required (contact information only) Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05549 Help contact:rdtarvin@berkeley.edu