Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Ecophysiology & Evolution

Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Ecophysiology & Evolution

Reports to:

Assistant Curator

The New York Botanical Garden is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to work with an interdisciplinary team on the ecophysiology and evolution of biophotonic leaf traits in shade‑adapted plants. This is a 2‑3 year position starting Oct 1, 2026, contingent on grant funding.

The collaborative project will integrate approaches in plant anatomy and physiology, 3D imaging and modeling, phylogenetics, photonics, machine learning, and deep learning to elucidate the sophisticated mechanisms, patterns, and principles of light harvesting in diverse, deep‑shade adapted plants. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be expected to apply analytical tools in phylogenetics, collect leaf anatomical and physiological data, supervise and mentor junior scientists, and lead publications.

• Design, develop, and implement laboratory experiments to characterize the photosynthetic response of plant leaves to different light environments.
• Conduct phylogenetic analyses of plant trait evolution, utilizing the NYBG computing cluster.
• Execute histological preparation and imaging of tissue samples.
• Work with 3D microCT datasets, including machine learning analysis and generation of 3D models.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to determine the optical behavior of plant tissues, from a structural and biochemical perspective.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical documentation, and/or project reports for peer‑reviewed publication and stakeholder dissemination.
• Engage in a collaborative postdoctoral mentoring plan.
• Participate in NYBG Science activities, outreach, and mentoring related to the project.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• PhD by the time of the start of the appointment.
• Experience in the application of phylogenetic methods.
• Experience with plant physiology, especially leaf traits and photosynthesis.
• Coding experience (R, Python, or similar).
• Publication record showing proof of skillsets above; pre‑prints acceptable.
• Experience or proven strong desire to study leaf traits, photosynthesis, plant tissue optics, understory plant ecophysiology, Begoniaceae, or other relevant research topics.
• Experience with microCT 3D imaging and analysis is a plus but not required.
• Experience with machine learning and/or deep learning is a plus but not required.

The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and use a computer extensively. Occasional travel to conferences or project meetings may be necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Monday–Friday 9 am‑5 pm. This is an onsite position. NYBG’s hybrid work policy applies to this position.

$65,000

• 15 Vacation Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 12 Sick Days
• Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• 401K
• Pension Plan

EOE