Post-Doctoral Researcher

Position Closed

Toxicology Postdoctoral Research Position at the University of California Davis

Open date: October 30, 2023

Deadline: Applications will be considered in the order they are received. (Last review: January 1st , 2024)

Position Description:

The Segarra Lab at the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis (UCD) has an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher interested in neurodevelopment, neurobehavior, and toxicology to join their team. Research in the lab focuses on interactive effects of contaminants as complex mixtures, as well as with multiple other environmental stressors. The Segarra lab uses the Zebrafish model and non-model species to study mechanistic, behavioral, and reproductive toxicology.

The candidate will be involved in a collaborative EPA-STAR project that aims to determine the risk of anthropogenic contaminants on human prenatal development. The primary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be to understand how anthropogenic factors impact Zebrafish development, behavior, morphometric characteristics, and genomics during experimental exposures.

The candidate will work under the general direction of Dr. Segarra to participate in research projects that study the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental impairment related to contaminants. The candidate is expected to be involved in the entire research process, from designing and conducting experiments on Zebrafish to statistically analyzing the data and writing peer-reviewed publications. An essential aspect of this position will be project management, coordination, and scientific communication.

The candidate will have successfully defended their Ph.D., authored high-quality publications in a related field, and demonstrated evidence of being both intellectually driven and highly cooperative in a teamwork setting.

Initial appointments will be for two years with a possibility of extension. Applications will be considered in the order they are received.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Environmental Toxicology, Neurodevelopment, Animal Biology, or a closely related field.
  • Zebrafish expertise, background in fish model species
  • Strong skills in molecular biology
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with researchers and students from many scientific backgrounds, including agency partners and stakeholders.
  • Experience designing, planning, and conducting experimental procedures, including the ability to meet project goals promptly and follow through on project deliverables,
  • The ability to communicate research findings both at professional meetings and in high-quality peer-reviewed journals,
  • Strong experience with data analysis
  • Excellent technical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills,
  • Strong attention to detail, and meticulous work style, as evidenced by previous research,
  • Willingness to conduct research as dictated by the life cycles of the fish being studied (this means working through holidays as needed).

The following qualifications and expertise are desired:

  • Familiar with toxicological research
  • Familiar with Ethovision and social behavior
  • Familiar with morphometric analyses of early life stages of fish.
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • Previous experience managing, mentoring or overseeing staff, graduate or undergraduate students.
  • A demonstrated ability to think critically about the practical application of research outcomes.

Salary: Salary and benefits are consistent with UC Davis policy and applicant experience.

Application Requirements:

  • Curriculum Vitae – inclusive of publications, awards, and both laboratory and field experience
  • A cover letter discussing your key experimental qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position. Please include potential faculty mentor names; and how you learned of this position.
  • Research Accomplishments – 1-2 Pages
  • A list of 3 references

Please E-mail your application to asegarra@ucdavis.edu, with the subject line: “Post-Doc Zebrafish Toxicology ” so that it can be easily recognized. The start date is expected to be as early as December 2023.