UMD Biology Post-Doctoral Associate

The Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMN-D) has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate. This is a P&A position, job code 9546. This is a full-time, 12-month position with an anticipated funding period of one year. This opportunity is supported through the National Science Foundation (NSF-DEB 2232106). The selected applicant would be an employee of UMD, advised by Dr. Amanda Grusz.

We seek a strong candidate to collaborate on a drought-driven study focused on the evolution of reproductive mode in plants. The goals of this research are (1) to generate a robust phylogeny for the focal clade using target enrichment and phylogenomic approaches; (2) to assess climatic and reproductive traits across the focal clade; and (3) to train next-generation researchers in classical and cutting-edge biodiversity techniques. An ideal candidate will have experience conducting cytogenetic surveys, fieldwork and herbarium studies, and a background in molecular systematics and/or bioinformatics. A background in pteridology would be an additional strength. The primary sites of study will be at UMN-D (Duluth, MN) and in the southwestern United States. The position will encompass the analysis of existing data and the generation of new information from laboratory and field studies.

Review of compete applications will start April 26, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. The appointment begins July,1 2024.

Major Job Duties:

Fieldwork: Collecting voucher specimens and conducting microhabitat monitoring (15%);
Data collection and analyses: Herbarium surveys, molecular and phylogenomic analyses (35%);
Graduate and undergraduate supervision and mentorship: (25%);
Writing articles for peer-reviewed scientific journals (20%);
Presenting research findings at meetings/conferences (5%).

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required Qualifications:

PhD in biology, botany, bioinformatics, or a related field from an accredited college or university at the time of hire;
Demonstrated experience using classical and cutting-edge systematic approaches (e.g., chromosome counts, flow cytometry, fuelgen microdensitometry, target enrichment, phylogenomics, bioinformatics).

The Department of Biology is the hub for fundamental biological sciences at UMD. The department is committed to furthering the study of our natural world and has a strong collaborative network to support our students in a wide range of fields, from conservation to biomedical sciences. Our mission includes undergraduate education, research, graduate education, and service. With research, we specialize in ecology and cell and molecular biology. These emphases serve as major themes integrating our undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. As part of the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, we serve more than 700 different majors in addition to providing a liberal arts experience for many students across campus.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To apply, go to https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and search for job ID 358216. First, submit the application with a cover letter and CV/resume in pdf format. Then, return to the "My Job Applications" page to attach any additional documents, also in pdf format. Complete applications include the online application, cover letter, and resume/CV. Even if you provide this information within the application, you must also attach the requested additional document(s). Please do not miss this important step in the application process. Applications missing any of these documents may not be reviewed.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota-Duluth by the start date. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.

If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact MSRS or PERA for any eligibility limitations.

The University of Minnesota Duluth values diversity and inclusion and believes they are essential to achieving excellence. We have a strong institutional commitment to diversity in all areas and strongly encourage women, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, Black, Latinx, Asian American, Hawaiian/Island Pacific, mixed race and disabled scholars to apply. We favor candidates who can contribute to the College's distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: .

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

UMD is a regional comprehensive land- and sea-grant state university, one of five coordinate campuses within the State of Minnesota system and with a total enrollment of approximately 9,000 students. SCSE is the largest college at UMD comprising approximately 2800 undergraduate students, 250 graduate students, 180 faculty, and 80 permanent staff. The college includes the science departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics and Astronomy, and Mathematics and Statistics, as well as the ABET-accredited departments of Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Civil and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. There are significant opportunities for fostering existing and creating new ties with local, regional, and national industry stakeholders.

Situated at the western tip of Lake Superior, the city of Duluth offers an enticing selection of adventures for four season outdoor enthusiasts as well as a rich variety of cultural opportunities. Metropolitan Minneapolis/St. Paul is less than three hours south of Duluth.

A dynamic city on a hill situated at the western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth was named Outdoor magazine's Best Outdoors Town in 2014, celebrating its access to the outdoors and to Lake Superior -- the largest freshwater lake on earth by area. Duluth is home to hundreds of miles of biking, hiking, and skiing trails, including the Superior Hiking Trail, a 300+ mile trail intersecting Duluth, and the Duluth Traverse, an 85-mile multi-use biking and hiking trail stretching across town. In addition to the outdoors, the Twin Ports area has vibrant music, arts, crafts and craft brewing scenes, and a variety of award-winning restaurants. Duluth is a truly wonderful place to live, with great schools, health care, and affordable housing. It mixes its historic small-town feel with a dynamic urban economy and many cultural offerings.

Duluth, with a population of approximately 85,000 people, is located at the head of beautiful Lake Superior. As a major shipping port, over 1,000 vessels from around the world pass under its iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, annually. Duluth is a popular tourist destination, with 3.5 million people visiting the city annually, for a $780 million economic impact. More information about Duluth can be found at .

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Smoking, chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.