Position Title:

Burpee Post-Doctoral Fellow in Botany

Position Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Categories:

Staff Exempt

Job Summary:

Job Duties:

Bucknell University seeks a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Chris Martine in the Department of Biology. This position is a yearly appointment, renewable for up to three years, and has a preferred start date of summer 2026.

Salary (NIH scale), benefits, and associated research activity (including conference travel) are securely funded by the David Burpee Endowment at Bucknell. The successful candidate will contribute in various ways to ongoing projects using field-, lab-, herbarium-, and/or greenhouse-based approaches to questions related to ecology, evolution, reproductive biology, biodiversity, taxonomy/systematics, and conservation of cool plants – which may include the acquisition, management, and analysis of datasets related to species boundaries and population genomics of taxa of the US Mid-Atlantic region and/or the monsoon tropics of Australia. Efforts will also be made to sustain projects that the successful candidate has previously established, such as devoting agreed upon time to analysis of existing data and/or publication of dissertation work. The position includes participation in the liberal arts educational mission of Bucknell; candidates should expect to mentor and advise undergraduate research students year-round, making the position especially suited for those interested in gaining experience in the Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) environment.

Job Duties:
In collaboration with Dr. Chris Martine, Burpee Professor in Plant Genetics and Research, the Postdoctoral Researcher will:

Co-supervise multiple undergraduate students and 1-2 master's students.
Generate, manage, and analyze large datasets.
Manage and maintain a combined wet/ecology lab.
Help to organize and participate in fieldwork.
Assist with management of living collections maintained in research greenhouses and conduct greenhouse-based experiments.
Assist with management of the Wayne E. Manning Herbarium.
Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, write/edit grant proposals, and present results at regional/national meetings.
Integrate research outcomes with ongoing conservation efforts, including recognizing taxa/populations of concern.
Explore innovative approaches to dissemination and outreach.
Assist with preparation of a new Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience class using greenhouse-grown plants.
Mentor, train, and instruct students as part of Bucknell's mission to provide a superior undergraduate experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. (at date of appointment) in botany, plant biology, ecology & evolution, genetics/genomics or related field;
Proficiency in oral and written English language skills;
Experience with acquisition of large datasets such as (but not necessarily restricted to) genomic/genetic data and related bioinformatics pipelines/phylogenetic software; and
Demonstrated experience in preparing publications and grant proposals.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness and be willing to help educate students about why these things are important.

Preferred Qualifications:

A background/interest in plant population genomics, systematics, reproductive biology, ethnobotany, conservation biology, and/or biogeography is preferred; experience with plant-based study systems is not required, however.
Ability to write computer scripts and work in the R environment
Experience in the culture and care of research plants.
Valid PA Driver’s license, or ability to obtain one preferred

Physical Demands:

Research greenhouse collections may require lifting of plants and potting supplies and local/remote fieldwork may also be undertaken.
Ability to stoop, bend, walk, lift and carry.
Some travel may be required.

Job Exempt:

Yes

Salary Range:

62,232.00-62,232.00

The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Benefits:

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):

Flexible scheduling options determined by role;
Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
Full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
A myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Inclusive Excellence:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

E-Verify

Bucknell University participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

For additional information regarding Bucknell's E-Verify requirements, please contact the office of Talent, Culture & Human Resources (570) 577-1631 or email hr@bucknell.edu.

E-Verify Posters (sharing the link to the posters, which are also attached)

Burpee Post-Doctoral Fellow in Botany

Benefits

Job Description