The Segarra Lab at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fish physiology and behavior to join our team. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment involving faculty, staff and students studying the physiological ecology of California fishes and their responses to environmental change, with the ultimate goal of improving conservation and management strategies. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second or third year, subject to funding availability.

The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be to oversee and conduct experiments investigating the effects of environmental conditions and contaminant exposure on the physiology and behavior of juvenile Chinook salmon. These projects aim to provide critical information on how environmental stressors influence fish performance during outmigration and the potential implications for salmon conservation and management.

The researcher will participate in field-based exposure studies, including fish cage deployments in collaboration with the Fangue Lab at UC Davis, followed by laboratory assessments of fish physiology and behavior. Experiments may include swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), physiological stress indicators (e.g., cortisol and blood glucose), and behavioral assays. These assessments will be complemented by contaminant analyses of fish tissues and water samples conducted in collaboration with Southern Illinois University (SIU).

The successful candidate will play an active role throughout the research process, from experimental design and data collection to statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The candidate will also be responsible for supervising undergraduate students and coordinating their involvement in research activities. The position offers opportunities to serve as lead author on peer-reviewed publications, present research findings at scientific conferences, and

interact with academic collaborators and stakeholders involved in fisheries conservation and management.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physiology, Ecology, Animal Biology, Animal Behavior, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting fish physiology experiments and interpreting physiological data.
• Experience in experimental design, planning, and project coordination, including the ability to meet research objectives and deadlines.
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, including proficiency with R or comparable statistical software.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fish physiology: Experience with physiological techniques such as swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), and physiological stress measurements.
• Fish behavior: Experience designing behavioral experiments and using behavioral analysis software (e.g., EthoVision).
• Field research: Experience with fish handling, cage deployments, boat-based fieldwork, and small-boat operation.
• Salmonid research: Previous experience working with salmonids, particularly Chinook salmon, including fish husbandry and experimental handling.
• Scientific productivity: Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating scientific independence and effective communication of research findings.
• Research leadership: Experience independently managing research activities, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and mentoring undergraduate students or research assistants.
• Environmental toxicology: Previous experience would be an asset.
• Salary and Appointment

Salary and benefits will be consistent with UC Davis policies and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications, presentations, and relevant laboratory and field research experience.