Postdoctoral Researcher - Biodiversity and Drought Adaptation

About the Job

Location:

Duluth and Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (East Bethel, MN)

Department:
Biology, Swenson College of Science and Engineering (UMD)

Appointment: 100% time, 12-month appointment

Term:
One-year position beginning April 2026

Supervisor:
Principal Investigator Dr. Julie Etterson (Department of Biology)

Salary: $61,008

About the Job

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to an NSF-supported research project examining the long-term ecological and evolutionary effects of biodiversity loss and climate-driven drought. The project leverages the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, the world's longest-running biodiversity experiment, and an associated rainfall reduction treatment. The postdoc will lead the establishment and execution of a reciprocal transplant microcosm experiment in 2026 to test hypotheses about adaptation across biodiversity and drought treatments.

The position will be based at Cedar Creek during the primary growing season (approximately May 1-September 30) and will involve field research, data collection, undergraduate supervision, and data management. Housing will be provided on-site at Cedar Creek during the field season. Work may include variable hours depending on research needs and weather conditions. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Experimental Implementation (30%):
  Establish and maintain a biodiversity and drought reciprocal transplant experiment at Cedar Creek;
  Coordinate experimental setup, planting, and ongoing plot/microcosm maintenance;
  Ensure research activities align with project timelines and protocols.
• Data Collection and Measurement Protocols (30%):
  Develop measurement protocols for ecological and evolutionary response variables;
  Collect field and greenhouse data throughout the growing season;
  Maintain accurate research records and ensure data quality.
• Supervision and Mentorship (10%):
  Supervise undergraduate researchers assisting with experimental work;
  Provide training in field methods, data collection, and research best practices;
  Support a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
• Data Management and Research Support (30%):
  Organize, manage, and maintain experimental datasets;
  Assist with data analysis and interpretation;
  Contribute to project reporting and dissemination of findings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• PhD in evolutionary biology, ecology, ecological genetics, or a closely related discipline by start date.
• Demonstrated experience conducting large-scale field experiments.
• Ability to live and work at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve during the 2026 field season.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and analyzing large ecological datasets.
• Familiarity with phenotypic selection studies or evolutionary ecology methods.

About the Department

The Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth is housed within the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in biological and environmental sciences. Research will take place at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, a globally recognized field station and the birthplace of modern ecosystem ecology.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $61,008; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the…