Position: Postdoctoral Scholar to Develop Theory on the Evolution of Plasticity 

Full details on this position and how to apply are here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yiwE90QLE2IZtdPnMDNjD3K_-BLozPcq/view?usp=sharing

Description: Professor Suzanne Alonzo, in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Evolutionary Theory on Plasticity. The Postdoctoral Scholar will develop evolutionary theory on transgenerational and phenotypic plasticity in response to parental cues, collaborate with empiricists testing the theory’s predictions in the threespine stickleback, and train undergraduate researchers involved in these projects. Applicants must have a doctoral degree in evolution, animal behavior, or a related field and prior experience with mathematical modeling or related quantitative methods. Strong applicants will have prior experience studying sexual selection, parental effects, and/or plasticity. Prior experience conducting relevant empirical research or collaborating with empiricists to test theory is desired but not required. The Postdoctoral Scholar will join an NSF-funded project that is a collaboration between Professor Suzanne Alonzo’s research team and Professor Jennifer Hellman’s research team at the Ohio State University. This project also involves training and supervising undergraduate research opportunities and contributing to undergraduate professional development programs at both institutions. Prior experience working with students is therefore also required for this postdoctoral scholar position. Applicants with expertise in developing evolutionary models of plasticity and/or the evolution of reproductive traits are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay based on the individual’s Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See the salary scale titled Postdoctoral Scholar-Employee/Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellow/Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct - Fiscal Year. A reasonable estimate for this position is $71,491-$79,727. 

Anticipated start date: Between September 1, 2026 and January 15, 2027. 

Application Window: Full consideration will be given to applications completed by September 7, 2026. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.

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