DESCRIPTION
The Biological Sciences Program at Chapman University andthe Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invite applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction of Professor Jennifer Funk and Associate Professor Kathleen Kay, funded by an NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity grant (“Biotic and abiotic drivers of Neotropical plant speciation”). The scholar will investigate divergent adaptation underlying speciation in the spiral gingers (monocot genus Costus). The project is a collaboration among PIs Kathleen Kay (UCSC), Jennifer Funk (Chapman University), Carlos Garcia-Robledo(University of Connecticut), Dena Grossenbacher (Cal Poly SLO), and Santiago Ramirez (UC Davis) to uncover patterns and mechanisms of speciation in a recent, rapid plant radiation throughout Central and South America. We seek abroadly-trained, collaborative plant ecologist with expertise in demography and ecophysiology to spearhead multiple reciprocal transplants of sister species at four field sites in Costa Rica. Primary responsibilities include experimental design, coordinating and conducting data collection, managing and analyzingl arge datasets, mentoring field assistants and students, coordinating research collaborators, and contributing to the dissemination of results through manuscripts, presentations, public outreach, and government/agency reports. The ideal candidate will have experience relating plant physiology to abiotic and biotic environmental conditions and fitness, experience conducting field reciprocal transplants, experience with demographic population modeling, a strong interest in plant adaptation and speciation, and a track record of publishing in leading journals. The candidate must have a valid passport through 2022 and excellent logistical planning and time management skills. Ability to speak some Spanish is desirable. The scholar will spend the majority of their time in Costa Rica, with ample opportunities for lab visits ande xchanges in the US. More information on the Funk Lab can be found athttp://www1.chapman.edu/~jlfunk/, and more information on the Kay Lab can befound at https://kay.eeb.ucsc.edu/.
ACADEMIC TITLE
Postdoctoral Scholar
SALARY
Minimum annual salary of $50,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in Biology or related field
• A minimum of two years experience in plant ecology research.
POSITION AVAILABLE
August 1, 2019. Start date could be as late as December 1, 2019. Ph.D. must be in hand at time of the initial appointment.
MAXIMUM DURATION OF SERVICE IN A POSTDOCTORAL TITLE
Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time; the initial appointment is for two years through Chapman University, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year through UCSC. Reappointment will be contingent upon positive performance review and availability of funding. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution. Under limited circumstances, an exception to this limit may be considered, not to exceed a sixth year.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications should be emailed to Jennifer Funk (jlfunk@chapman.edu). All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs. Please refer to Position # xxx in all correspondence. Informal inquiries may be sent to Jennifer Funk (jlfunk@chapman.edu) or Kathleen Kay (kmkay@ucsc.edu).
Documents/Materials
- Cover letter describing past research experience and qualifications for this position (required)
- Current curriculum vitae (required)
- A list of three references that includes their contact information (required)
- Up to three copies of published manuscripts-submitted as separate pdfs (required)
RECRUITMENT PERIOD
Full consideration will be given to applications completed by June 30, 2019. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled. The position will remain open until filled, but not later than 12/31/19.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman can be found at http://www.chapman.edu/diversity/.
