What if the real damage from environmental toxins shows up first at the molecular level—long before anyone notices sick or struggling animals in the wild? A groundbreaking postdoctoral opportunity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is giving one researcher the chance to find out. This position focuses on how rodenticides affect wild owls through cutting-edge transcriptomic approaches, offering a rare blend of molecular science, applied conservation, and community partnership.
If you are a recent PhD graduate in ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, wildlife biology, or a related field, and you want your research to directly inform wildlife management decisions, this postdoctoral position in avian transcriptomics could be the perfect next step in your career.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host University: University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Scholarship Type: PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: $70,000 per year, etc.
The Science Behind the Project: Linking Exposure to Gene Expression Changes
Rodenticides are widely used to control rodent populations, yet their effects on non-target wildlife remain poorly understood. This project investigates the sub-lethal impacts of rodenticide exposure on invasive barred owls (Strix varia) in California. Researchers are using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify genome-wide changes in gene expression across multiple tissue types from owls that were previously screened for 14 different rodenticides.
Transcriptomics provides a powerful window into wildlife health. Instead of waiting for visible population declines or obvious clinical signs, scientists can detect early molecular signatures of stress, detoxification responses, immune disruption, or metabolic changes. These insights help conservationists understand how environmental toxicants affect forest predators and can guide more effective management strategies.
The work forms part of a collaborative project funded through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cannabis Restoration Grant in partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe. This context adds important real-world dimensions: understanding how rodenticides used around cannabis cultivation sites may affect wildlife, while centering Tribal natural resource priorities and community-engaged approaches to science.
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Because barred owls are an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest and California—often competing with native spotted owls—the research sits within an applied conservation framework that includes lethal removal as a management tool. Applicants should be aware of and comfortable working with samples collected in this context.
What You Will Do as the Postdoctoral Research Associate
This is a hands-on, leadership-focused role. You will take primary responsibility for the RNA-seq component of the project and help translate molecular findings into conservation-relevant insights.
Key responsibilities include:
- Performing RNA extractions and preparing RNA-Seq libraries from multiple tissue types
- Generating, processing, and analyzing high-throughput transcriptomics data
- Conducting population and landscape genomic analyses to meet project objectives
- Leading the preparation of at least two peer-reviewed manuscripts for high-impact ecology, evolutionary biology, or conservation journals
You will also have the freedom to develop additional genomics-based projects of mutual interest with your supervisors. This flexibility allows motivated researchers to shape the direction of their postdoctoral work while building a strong publication record.
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Who Should Apply: Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required qualifications:
- Ph.D. in ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, wildlife biology, or a closely related field (completed or expected before start date)
- Hands-on experience with molecular laboratory techniques and transcriptomics data analysis
- Strong scientific writing skills with a proven track record of publishing impactful peer-reviewed papers in relevant journals
- Willingness to work with samples derived from invasive species removal programs
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation
- Familiarity with Linux operating systems and high-performance computing environments
- Experience creating reference transcriptomes
- Background in conservation genomics or molecular ecology
If your background combines rigorous molecular skills with a genuine interest in applied conservation and community-engaged research, you will thrive in this role.
The Collaborative Research Environment
You will work directly with Dr. Emily Fountain in a collaborative genomics lab that prioritizes shared learning, mentorship, and teamwork. You will also collaborate closely with Dr. Zach Peery. The position includes active engagement with the Peery Lab through regular meetings and group activities, creating rich opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
The project’s partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe welcomes applicants interested in research at the intersection of genomics, conservation, and Tribal natural resource priorities. The lab values diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary experience, and approaches that connect molecular science with real-world management and community needs.
Position Details and Location
This is a full-time, 2-year postdoctoral research associate position with the potential for extension pending additional funding. The role is based on-site at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Salary: $70,000 per year plus comprehensive benefits
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Anticipated start date: On or after July 20, 2026
- Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Madison, Wisconsin)
Madison offers an outstanding quality of life for researchers, with a vibrant academic community, access to natural areas for fieldwork or recreation, and strong institutional support for postdocs.
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How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by June 30, 2026. The final application deadline is July 31, 2026.
To apply, email the following materials to Dr. Emily Fountain at efountain@wisc.edu:
- A current resume or CV
- A cover letter that briefly describes your qualifications and how they align with this specific position (be sure to address your interest in the project’s applied conservation context)
- Contact information for three professional references
Use the subject line “Postdoctoral Research Associate – Avian Transcriptomics Application – [Your Last Name]”.
Pro tip for applicants: In your cover letter, clearly connect your experience to the project’s goals. Mention any relevant molecular lab work, bioinformatics skills, publication record, and your comfort working within applied conservation frameworks that include invasive species management. Demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the collaborative and community-engaged aspects of the role will strengthen your application.
Why This Postdoctoral Position Stands Out
Most postdoc positions offer excellent training. This one offers something more: the chance to generate data that can directly influence wildlife management decisions, work at the molecular level on a high-profile conservation issue, and contribute to research that respects and incorporates Tribal priorities.
You will leave this position with:
- Strong first-author publications in respected journals
- Advanced skills in transcriptomics, population genomics, and bioinformatics
- Experience in collaborative, community-engaged conservation genomics
- A professional network spanning university labs, state wildlife agencies, and Tribal natural resource programs
For researchers who want their science to matter beyond the lab bench, this postdoctoral position in avian transcriptomics and conservation genomics delivers meaningful impact.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
If you hold (or will soon hold) a Ph.D. in a relevant field and are excited by the prospect of using cutting-edge molecular tools to understand and mitigate environmental threats to wildlife, do not miss this opportunity.
Applications are already being considered on a rolling basis. Submit your materials soon to receive full consideration.
Apply here: View the official job posting and details
Learn more about the lab and collaborators: Peery Lab – University of Wisconsin-Madison
This postdoctoral research associate position in avian transcriptomics represents a rare convergence of rigorous molecular science, applied conservation impact, and collaborative community partnership. If that combination excites you, prepare your application materials and reach out to Dr. Emily Fountain today.
The owls—and the broader conservation community—are waiting for the insights you could help uncover.