Postdoctoral Scholar - Tarvin Lab - Department of Integrative Biology

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Tarvin Lab to investigate the genetic and physiological basis of kleptocnidy in nudibranch mollusks. The position is 100% time with start anticipated Fall 2026 and a two-year duration, potentially extendable based on performance and funding.

The role involves RNA-sequencing, pharmacological inhibition assays, and publishing results. Collaboration across IB and MVZ, with US fieldwork possible. Apply by Nov 11, 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) required or enrolled in a PhD program.
• PhD by the start date.
• No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.
• Desirable: track record of first-author publications, ability to work collaboratively and independently, experience in experimental design, physiology, and/or genomics, willingness to work with live animals, familiarity with nudibranchs or marine invertebrates.

Responsibilities

• Carry out original scientific research related to kleptocnidy in nudibranchs, including animal husbandry, genomics, molecular biology, physiology and field work in the U.S.
• Write and publish peer-reviewed papers and other scholarly material.
• Present scientific results at professional meetings and institutions, and to media when appropriate.
• Develop new projects within the research program.

Education

PhD (or equivalent international degree)

PhD by start date

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar - Tarvin Lab - Department of Integrative Biology and the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology

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 Window

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

PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program.

Additional qualifications

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 requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Help contact

[e-mail]

Job location: Berkeley, CA

DEI & Equal Opportunity

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
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