Postdoctoral Research Associate, Negaunee Collections

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Negaunee Collections (Pollinator eDNA)

Location:

Glencoe, IL, US

Requisition  | Posted 4 days ago

Salary Range: $49,500.00 To $65,588.00 Annually

This two‑year position, with the possibility of a one‑year extension dependent on funding, begins in October 2026. The postdoctoral research associate will work with scientists at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Field Museum to (1) support the curation and accessioning of insect collections from the Garden for long‑term deposit at the Field Museum and (2) lead the development and evaluation of eDNA‑based approaches to study plant–pollinator interactions from biological collections.

The role combines curation duties and a research program focused on establishing a flexible, scalable pipeline for reconstructing pollination networks using eDNA. Tasks include evaluating current metabarcoding approaches, optimizing workflows, and integrating molecular data with observational or experimental datasets.

The associate will collaborate with ecologists, molecular biologists, and collections staff, and contribute to publications, protocol development, and grant proposals.

• Curation and accessioning of insect collections in collaboration with Field Museum curatorial staff, especially micromoth inventory.
• Research design and project leadership – lead an independent eDNA research project on plant–pollinator interactions.
• eDNA method development, validation, and sampling
  • Conduct field and collections sampling of flowers, insects, or pollen.
  • Develop, test, and optimize laboratory and analytical workflows for eDNA applications.
  • Evaluate taxonomic coverage and biases of molecular markers for key pollinator groups and plant taxa.
  • Validate eDNA results using complementary data sources.
  • Document protocols and create reproducible workflows.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and presentation
  • Analyze molecular and ecological data with statistical and bioinformatics approaches.
  • Contribute to data visualization, synthesis, and interpretation for manuscripts and presentations.
  • Lead or co‑author peer‑reviewed publications.
  • Present findings at scientific meetings, seminars, and internal forums.

• Required
  • Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, entomology, conservation biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
  • Laboratory and/or field experience with molecular methods, library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatics or plant/pollinator ecology.
  • Strong programming and analytical skills (e.g., R, Python, bioinformatics pipelines).
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
  • Record of peer‑reviewed publications.
  • Proficiency with common software applications.
• Preferred
  • Strong knowledge of pollinator ecology and 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 or collections data.
  • Mechanical or laboratory equipment troubleshooting skills.

Sustained periods of standing, sitting, and walking between labs and field sites; lifting up to 20 pounds; frequent fieldwork in varying environmental conditions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, we do not discriminate on the basis of sex in our programs or activities, including employment.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.