Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary The Tank Lab in the Department of Plant Biology at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a fixed-term, postdoctoral scholar in plant systematics and phylogenomics. We seek a botanist who combines strong bioinformatics skills with an interest in using plant collections to address evolutionary questions. Research will build on our phylogenomic studies of Castilleja (the paintbrushes, Orobanchaceae) and explore the role of hybridization and introgression in plant diversification. Potential directions include determining how introgression varies across species and geographic regions, investigating the persistence of species boundaries in the face of ongoing gene flow, and integrating genomic, morphological, and ecological evidence to understand evolutionary history. There will also be opportunities to contribute to ongoing phylogenomic projects in other plant groups, particularly within Orobanchaceae. Specific questions, projects, and approaches will be developed collaboratively with the successful candidate, based on their interests and expertise. The postdoc will have substantial scope to shape the research and develop independent projects in other plant groups that address complementary questions. The lab is closely connected with the MSU Herbarium, and we are particularly interested in applicants who want to connect herbaria with modern collections-based research. Related opportunities include Michigan and Great Lakes floristics and development of infrastructure linking specimens with genomic and other biodiversity data. The postdoc will join MSU's Plant Sciences and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior communities, with opportunities for collaboration, student mentoring, and professional development aligned with their career goals. Duties and responsibilities - -Develop and carry out research drawing on existing lab collections and datasets and herbarium specimens, with potential opportunities for targeted fieldwork. -Generate and analyze molecular data. Depending on the project, work may span DNA/RNA isolation, sequencing library preparation and target enrichment, sequence processing and assembly, and phylogenomic, population genomic, and comparative analyses. -Lead manuscript preparation and communicate findings through publications and presentations. -Contribute to collaborative lab and herbarium projects, with opportunities for student mentoring. -A successful candidate will contribute to advancing institutional/unit core values of ethical and academic standards; culture and climate; and conduct and behavior, as described in MSU´s updated strategic plan. Appointment and start date - The position is full time and based at MSU in East Lansing, Michigan. The annual salary is approximately $63,000, plus MSU benefits. The initial appointment is for one year, with anticipated annual renewal contingent on satisfactory performance and continued availability of funding. Multiple years of funding are available. The start date is flexible, but the successful candidate must begin before July 1, 2027. The preferred start date is January 2027. ### Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status. ### Required Degree Doctorate -Botany, plant systematics, evolutionary biology or related field ### Minimum Requirements -A Ph.D. in botany, plant systematics, evolutionary biology, or a related field, completed by the start date. -A strong grounding in plant systematics and evolution, with demonstrated research experience working with plants. -Experience analyzing high-throughput sequen