Postdoctoral Research Associate, Negaunee Collections

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Negaunee Collections

Title
:
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Negaunee Collections (Pollinator eDNA)
Exemption Status
:
Exempt
Department
:
Conservation Science / Plant and Pollinator Ecology
Reports to
:
Director of Conservation
Employment
:
Year‑Round Full‑time, two‑year position with possible one‑year extension based on grant funding
Supervises
:
Graduate students, research assistants, and volunteers (as needed)

Benefits Overview

• 2026 A Guide to Your Benefits JP.pdf

Position Overview

This two‑year postdoctoral appointment focuses on both curation of insect collections and development of eDNA methods to study plant‑pollinator interactions. The role requires collaboration with staff at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Field Museum, and it offers flexibility to shape the research agenda.

• Curation and accessioning of insect collections – collaborate with Field Museum curators to curate and accession insects from the Chicago Botanic Garden, emphasizing the micromoth inventory.
• Research design and project leadership – lead an independent eDNA research project in collaboration with mentors.
• eDNA method development and validation – conduct sampling, develop and optimize laboratory and analytical workflows, evaluate marker coverage and biases, and validate results with complementary data sources.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and presentation – analyze molecular and ecological data, produce visualizations, contribute to manuscripts, and present findings at scientific meetings.

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, bioinformatics, and/or pollination 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.
• Publication record.

Preferred

• Knowledge of pollinator ecology, plant‑pollinator interactions, 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.
• Troubleshooting mechanical or laboratory equipment.

Sustained periods of standing, sitting, 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, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.