Postdoctoral Research Associate , Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Posting Number: req
26052

Department:
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Department Website Link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu

Location:

Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights: A postdoctoral research position funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available to work with Dr. Katrina Dlugosch at the University of Arizona on the ecological genomics of the evolution of the invasive plant yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis). This project studies the evolution of species interactions during range expansion and their impact on the spread of invading plant populations.

We have found large differences in the microbial communities associated with yellow starthistle across its range, and evidence that microbial variation alters invader performance. This position will lead efforts to understand the genomic basis of these changes and their impacts on the ecology of invasion, including mapping the genetic basis of microbiome variation in the host plant genome.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with interests and experience in these areas. In addition, there will be opportunities for the postdoc to propose new research directions and to be involved in the mentoring of students.

The successful candidate will join an active lab of undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs focused on the rapid evolution of plants in response to novel environments.

This is a one-year appointment.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

• The successful candidate will lead a large greenhouse genetic mapping experiment to map the plant genetic basis of plant-associated microbial community variation.
• This work will involve sterile culture of bacteria, greenhouse rearing of plants, plant genome resequencing, microbiome sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, and associated manuscript publication.

• Skills in microbial culturing.
• Ability to rear plants in a greenhouse or growth chamber.
• Willingness and ability to work independently and in a team as needed.
• Strong writing skills.

• A doctorate in Biology or a related field upon hire.

• Experience with research on the evolution and ecology of invasive/weedy plant species.
• Experience isolating DNA for sequencing.
• Experience with bioinformatic analyses of genomic data.
• Authorship of peer-reviewed publications of original research in a field related to the position.

• FLSA:
  Exempt
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full Time
• Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
• Job FTE: 1.0
• Work Calendar:
  Fiscal
• Job Category:
  Research
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes - Full Benefits
• Rate of Pay: NIH Salary Guidelines, Depends on Experience
• Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
• Type of criminal background check required:
  Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Target Hire Date: 8/31/2026
• Expected End Date:
• Open Date: 5/26/2026
• Open Until Filled:
  Yes
• Documents Needed to Apply:
  Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Contact Information for Candidates:
For additional questions, please contact Dr. Katrina Dlugosch at kdlugosch.

Please attach a Cover Letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, a CV, and contact information for three references.

Review of applications will begin June 16, 2026.

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