Wilkes University invites applications for a postdoctoral research scientist who will study the controls on phenology of Arctic plants under an NSF-funded project. The research will examine the mechanisms that lead to ecotypic differences in phenology along an Arctic latitudinal gradient, comparing results from a sedge and two shrubs. This includes examination of the roles of light quality, light quantity, photoperiod, temperature, and gene expression in relation to the timing of leaf senescence. Also, growth and gas exchange will be monitored to better understand how phenology and growing season length affect plant function and ecosystem responses.
The successful candidate will use and further develop new techniques to measure phenology in reciprocal transplant gardens and in growth chamber experiments. The candidate is encouraged to develop and implement their own ideas within the project. The candidate is expected to reside in the Toolik Field Station (http://toolik.alaska.edu/) for periods during the spring and summer, where they will supervise data collection by a team consisting of one technician and two or three undergraduates. For the rest of the year, they will work at Wilkes University.
The postdoc may have an opportunity to gain teaching experience at Wilkes University, an undergraduate institution. The postdoc will join an interdisciplinary team, including Drs. Ned Fetcher (Wilkes University), Michael Moody (University of Texas-El Paso), Jianwu (Jim) Tang, and Gaius Shaver (both at The Ecosystem Center, Marine Biological Laboratory). Three years of support are available.
A Ph.D. with training in ecology, evolutionary biology, or plant physiology is required. The ideal candidate will have a background in physiological ecology with additional training in evolution or ecosystem ecology. A strong background in statistics, including Bayesian methods and machine learning approaches such as random forests, is greatly desired. Candidates should have fieldwork experience with a productive publication record and the ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. Previous experience with gas analyzers and gas flux measurement is encouraged, as is an interest in the link between physiological ecology and transcriptomics.
Apply at https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/wilkesuniversitycareers/jobs/1957579
Please be sure to include a cover letter, CV, publication samples, and names of three references. Review of applications will start on Oct. 15, 2021. We expect that the successful applicant will be available between early January and mid-March, 2022. For more information, contact Ned Fetcher (ned.fetcher@wilkes.edu).
Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
