Postdoctoral Fellow in Tomatillo Evolution
Requisition Number:
66504
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
22-Aug-2025
Date Posted:
08-Aug-2025
Job Summary
The goal of this project is to estimate the phylogeny for the entire tomatillo clade (ca. 310 species) and use this phylogeny to test the relationship between the evolution of inflated calyces and biochemical defenses. The postdoctoral fellow will lead the phylogenomic and comparative methods elements of the project. They will prepare samples for sequencing and metabolomics from the greenhouse, herbaria, and the field. They will use bioinformatic pipelines to carry out phylogenetic estimation, and they will conduct comparative analyses to trace the evolution of defense metabolites and morphological evolution across the tomatillo clade. This project includes field work in Mexico to sample diverse wild tomatillos. In addition to their research, the postdoctoral fellow will gain teaching experience through co-mentoring undergraduate researchers and presenting the plant diversity modules for high school students. They will receive training and mentoring to support their professional development and promote their success in this role.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
EBIO's disciplinary strengths include ecology, evolution, genetics, behavior, biology education research and systematics. Our research programs have relevance for global change, conservation biology, the spread of diseases, and revealing fundamental mechanisms underlying the structural and functional adaptations of organisms.
Research Areas: Our faculty specialize in many fields of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Interested in learning more? Visit the various research interests of our faculty.
In the Field: Our faculty, students and researchers travel the world to conduct research in ecology and evolution. Learn more about their experiences and stories in our In the Field articles.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Assisting in the management of living collections for sequencing and metabolomics
- Participating in field work to obtain additional material
- Preparing DNA and metabolite extracts for downstream analysis
- Working closely with collaborators to analyze the target capture data and metabolomic profiles in a phylogenetic framework
- Taking part in mentoring and outreach activities associated with the project
- Communicating the results of the research through presentations and publications
What You Should Know
- Appointment start date 9/1/25-5/31/27.
What We Can Offer
The hiring rate for this position is $65,686 annually. Relocation funds may be available per department guidelines.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- PhD in biology, botany, biochemistry, plant science, or related field.
- Previous fieldwork experience.
- Relevant wetlab experience (e.g. preparing solutions, carrying out extractions).
What You Will Need
- Experience in systematics, phylogenomics, and/or metabolomics.
- Experience with statistical comparative methods in R.
- Experience with bioinformatic pipelines.
- Experience working with an international collaborative team.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
- Optional: Transcripts / Proof of Degree
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references. We will request letters of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Please apply by August 22nd, 2025 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu