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Postdoctoral Researcher

California Academy of Sciences

POSITION SUMMARY: 

This position works under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah Jacobs and conducts novel research on the plant genus Castilleja to examine polyploid phylogenomics and plant speciation. This position may contribute to development of herbarium collections at the California Academy of Sciences. Additionally, public outreach, through in person and online interaction, participation in youth mentorship through established programs and the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students is encouraged.  This position may also require participation in regional research expeditions and support for laboratory and fieldwork activities.  

 

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

  • Conducts original biodiversity science research in collaboration with the Assistant Curator of Botany on the plant genus Castilleja, focusing on genomics and systematics and incorporating evidence from both the genome and phenome.
  • Collaborates on data collection, analysis, and visualization of biodiversity data
  • May provide mentorship to high school, undergraduate and graduate students
  • May provide regular updates on project progress to funders and partners
  • Dedicated to increasing participation of groups historically underrepresented in systematics, evolutionary biology and sustainability. 
  • Disseminates findings in written technical reports and academic publications, as well as oral presentations at scientific conferences and public meetings
  • Provides specimen identification in areas of expertise as appropriate
  • Participates in the Academy's fieldwork, as needed
  • Follows all Academy safety regulations
  • Other duties as assigned

 

EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

A qualified candidate will possess a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:

  • Ph.D. degree in evolutionary biology, botany, biology or related fields. 
  • 5 years or more of research experience in biodiversity science, including doctoral work. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) and experience in communicating research findings. 
  • Strong interest in plant biodiversity and ability to communicate that passion. 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

  • Expertise in biodiversity data analysis and/or modeling, including phylogenetics.
  • Experience in reproducible workflows, code version control, and management (Git, GitHub)
  • Works as a part of multi-disciplinary teams and diverse stakeholder groups
  • Committed to working on a team that is striving to be anti-racist in work, interactions, systems, and tools
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently, and as a member of interdisciplinary teams on cross-cutting issues
  • Flexible and creative
  • Expertise in R programming and statistical environment for the integration, manipulation, and analysis of big data, preferred.
  • Experience in geo-spatial analysis and data visualization (R, QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.), preferred.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $69,000-$74,000. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills/knowledge set, and internal equity. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the job’s essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, use a computer, and communicate on the phone, in person, and online meetings/calls.  The employee will spend time out-of-doors at events and programs, occasionally in hot or inclement weather. Must be able to transport 30 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time.

 

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