Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Ecology & Conservation Biology

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Major/Essential Duties of Job:

Lead the development of a high-resolution phylogeny of the flora of the Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. This phylogeny will be integrated with high-dimensional optical and thermal imaging spectroscopy, multispectral, and LiDAR remote sensing observations to model phylogenetic, functional, and floristic turnover across one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Creative researchers with interests in biogeography, systematics, community assembly, evolutionary ecology, diversification, and spatial phylogenetics.

Work closely with project team members based in the US and South Africa as well as the broader BioSCape science team.
Focus on understanding the origin, extent, and assembly of plant biodiversity. Concentrate on the intersection of evolution, ecology, and geography, with an emphasis on modeling how time, space, and form function in the diversification and maintenance of life.

80% Research activities

10% Graduate Student Mentoring

5% Lab Management

5% Other duties as assigned

Required Education: 

Ph.D. in related field

Preferred Experience: 

Strong background in phylogenetics, particularly in the optimization of wet lab protocols for DNA extraction and library preparation for targeted enrichment sequencing, and in quantitative methods (analytical and computational).

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Good publication track record.

Ability to display an unwavering commitment to promoting a generative, supportive, and collaborative laboratory culture. 

Abililty to multi task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of the flora of South African Cape Flora is highly beneficial and appreciated.

Ability to use the data generated in this project to pursue research questions of own interest.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by October 20. Please attach (i) cover letter addressing how their background/experience/interests relate to the project goals, (ii) curriculum vitae including contact information for three potential references, and (iii) two relevant research papers (published or submitted) on which they are an author.  Any questions, please contact Dr. Daniel Spalink @ [email protected]

Continued employment in this position is contingent upon availability of funds and project/program continuation.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.