Careers in the Plant Sciences

PhD Position

Michigan Technological University - Houghton, Michigan, United States

Position Title: PhD Position
Position Type: Principal Investigator
Application Review Begins: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 01, 2024
Institution: Michigan Technological University
Department/Division: Department of Biological Sciences
Field (e.g., systematics): Ecology and Evolution
City: Houghton, Michigan, United States
General Information: Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunity in Plant Evolutionary Ecology at Michigan Technological University
I have funding for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join my lab group (Erika Hersch-Green) in the department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Tech University. The successful candidate will contribute to research in alignment with an NSF-funded project (link to full abstract), which aims to understand whether and how nutrient availabilities affect plants differently based upon their genome sizes and whether this contributes to the structuring of biodiversity patterns from the molecular and functional attributes of organisms to multispecies assemblages. Our field work is done locally (https://youtu.be/H6MtEnAIyi0) and in collaborations with national and international scientists (see: https://nutnet.org/home, https://dragnetglobal.weebly.com/).

Position Details
• The postdoctoral researcher will be integrally involved in the design and implementation of transcriptome/greenhouse experiments and/or field experiments, data analysis and manuscript preparation of newly collected and back-logged data, presentations at conferences, collaborative workshops and discussions, mentoring of students, and outreach activities.
• Our research group values diverse perspectives and a healthy work-life balance, and I am specifically looking for a postdoctoral researcher that will take work seriously and support and maintain a respectful, enjoyable environment for everyone.
• The anticipated start date is Summer or Fall 2024, but this is negotiable.
• The position is for 1 year with a potential extension up to 18 months and includes a minimum salary of $55,000 plus benefits.
Qualifications/Requirements: Qualifications
• Required: (1) A Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, environmental science, molecular genetics, or a closely related field (completed before start date). (2) Experience in field biology and/or genomics research including bioinformatic skills. (3) Excellent writing, presentation, and statistical analysis skills and a publication record commensurate with time since degree completion.
• Desired: (1) Experience mentoring students, managing dynamic projects and maintaining successful collaborations. (2) Clear communication skills, evidence of outreach and collaboration, and dedication to making science welcoming to everyone.
Responsibilities: Position Details
• The postdoctoral researcher will be integrally involved in the design and implementation of transcriptome/greenhouse experiments and/or field experiments, data analysis and manuscript preparation of newly collected and back-logged data, presentations at conferences, collaborative workshops and discussions, mentoring of students, and outreach activities.
• Our research group values diverse perspectives and a healthy work-life balance, and I am specifically looking for a postdoctoral researcher that will take work seriously and support and maintain a respectful, enjoyable environment for everyone.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Application Procedures: If you are qualified and interested in this opportunity, please contact Dr. Erika Hersch-Green via email (eherschg@mtu.edu) and include in a single PDF the following: (1) a cover letter summarizing research interests, professional experience, and career goals, (2) a CV including a complete list of publications, and (3) contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin March 15, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled. Individuals from traditionally excluded groups in science and higher education are encouraged to apply.
Web Link: http://
Compensation Range: The position is for 1 year with a potential extension up to 18 months and includes a minimum salary of $55,000 plus benefits
Contact Name: Erika Hersch-Green, eherschg@mtu.edu