Postdoctoral Scholar – Tarvin Lab: Kleptocnidy in Nudibranch Mollusks

Laplace Apply; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Berkeley invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Tarvin Lab studying kleptocnidy in nudibranch mollusks. The position focuses on genetic and physiological mechanisms and involves RNA sequencing, pharmacological inhibition assays, and related molecular biology work in a UC Berkeley lab.

The appointment is full-time for two years with possible extension subject to funding; a PhD is required by start date and applicants with doctoral studies may apply before

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent by appointment start; applicants enrolled in a PhD may apply before completion.
• No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.

Responsibilities

• Conduct RNA sequencing experiments and pharmacological inhibition assays.
• Manage or assist with animal husbandry for lab work.
• Publish papers and present findings at conferences.
• Design and propose related research projects as opportunities arise.

Skills

RNA sequencing

Pharmacological inhibition assays

Genomics

Molecular biology

Animal husbandry

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Postdoctoral Scholar – Tarvin Lab: Kleptocnidy in Nudibranch Mollusks

University of California, Berkeley

United States

Apply by 12 Nov 2026

About This Opportunity

University of California, Berkeley advertises Postdoctoral Scholar – Tarvin Lab: Kleptocnidy in Nudibranch Mollusks, focusing on genetic and physiological mechanisms of kleptocnidy in nudibranchs.

The Tarvin Lab at UC Berkeley and its NSF collaborators investigate how nudibranch sea slugs capture and retain stinging nematocysts acquired from prey, and whether the process evolved through specialized phagocytosis. The postdoctoral researcher will study Californian nudibranchs using RNA sequencing and pharmacological inhibition assays, with laboratory animal husbandry, molecular physiology and US fieldwork. Expected activities include papers, presentations and the possibility of designing related research projects.

The appointment is full-time for two years with potential extension subject to funding; the current stated salary range is $71,491–$79,727. A completed doctorate is required before employment begins, with a limit of three years of post-degree research experience.

Academic preparation and entry profile: PhD or equivalent by appointment start; applicants enrolled in a PhD may apply before completion.

Eligibility: No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.

Funding and appointment conditions: $71,491–$79,727 per year under UC postdoctoral pay scale.

Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For: PhD or equivalent by appointment start; applicants enrolled in a PhD may apply before completion; researchers interested in working with RNA sequencing, Pharmacological inhibition assays, Animal husbandry, Genomics, Molecular biology.

Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable: Relevant considerations are the documented eligibility restriction; the specialized technical breadth may require significant preparation. The exact implications depend on the stated eligibility and appointment terms.

Overall Opportunity Assessment: The distinctive focus is genetic and physiological mechanisms of kleptocnidy in nudibranchs. Applicants should weigh the verified research methods, qualifications and any stated funding or mobility conditions against their research goals.

Genetic and physiological mechanisms of kleptocnidy in nudibranchs

Level Postdoc

Field Genetic and physiological mechanisms of kleptocnidy in nudibranchs

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount Paid

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Requirements

Education

PhD or equivalent by appointment start; applicants enrolled in a PhD may apply before completion.

Experience

No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.