Postdoctoral Research Associate, Negaunee Collections
$49,500–$65,588 year
On-site · Glencoe, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Two primary roles: supporting the curation and accessioning of insect collections from the Chicago Botanic Garden for transfer to the Field Museum, and leading a methods-driven research program to establish scalable eDNA workflows for studying plant–pollinator interactions. Responsibilities include designing and leading an independent postdoctoral project, curation and organization of insect collections (with emphasis on micromoth inventory), developing and validating eDNA methods (DNA extraction, marker selection, amplification, sequencing, target-capture), analyzing molecular and ecological data, preparing reproducible workflows, contributing to publications and presentations, and collaborating with scientists across ecology, molecular biology, and collections management. The position offers flexibility to shape the research direction and contributors are expected to generate manuscripts, present findings at meetings, and craft future grant proposals. Applicants should submit a resume/CV and a statement of interest detailing relevant experience, ideas for using eDNA and collections to study plant–pollinator interactions, and contact information for three references.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, entomology, conservation biology, molecular biology, or a related field
- Laboratory and/or field experience including molecular methods, library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatics
- Field experience may include plant ecology, pollination ecology, pollinator ecology, and/or insect ecology
- Strong programming and/or analytical skills (e.g., R, Python, bioinformatics pipelines)
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated record of publication
- Excellent communication skills
- Proficiency with common software applications
- Preferred: Strong knowledge of pollinator ecology, plant–pollinator interactions, and/or collections-based research
- More than two years of field experience with plants and/or pollinators
- Experience with eDNA methods, target-capture, metabarcoding, or pollen barcoding
- Experience integrating field observations with molecular and/or collections data
- Mechanical or laboratory equipment troubleshooting skills
- Physical Demands: Sustained periods of standing, sitting, and walking between labs and field sites; lifting up to 20 pounds; frequent fieldwork in varying environmental conditions.
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