The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Systematics Lab and Herbarium (http://systematics.mortonarb.org) seek a highly motivated individual to conduct population-level genomic and phylogenomic research on bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and related oaks of eastern North America. The research is part of a US-China international collaboration funded by the US NSF, investigating the effects of genomic diversity, functional diversity, phylogenetic diversity, and introgressive hybridization on oak symbiont communities. In addition to interacting with the collaborative team in the Center for Tree Science at The Morton Arboretum, the postdoctoral researcher will also be supported by a diverse network of partners at Duke University, Fort Collins Science Center, U of MN, and U of OK; and have opportunities to work with collaborators at South China Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

NSF project summary: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2129281&HistoricalAwards=false

The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based in the Herbarium / Systematics Lab and Center for Tree Science of The Morton Arboretum (https://mortonarb.org/science/center-for-tree-science/). The Arboretum is a 100 year-old, world-renowned nonprofit botanic garden dedicated to the study, growth, and conservation of trees. The Herbarium / Systematics Lab is a vibrant research community focused on plant biodiversity of the northern temperate zone, with a strong focus on trees and forested ecosystems. The Center for Tree Science (CTS) is a research center based within the Arboretum. CTS advances tree science expertise, builds collaborative scientific networks and resources, and trains the next generation of tree champions. Both the Herbarium and CTS work in collaboration with many other divisions of the Arboretum, including Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Global Trees Campaign, Living Collections, Learning and Engagement, Plant Clinic, Plant Health Care, and Natural Resources. The Center for Tree Science also acts as a hub for scientific collaboration, bringing together tree scientists from around the world to catalyze integrated, multidisciplinary tree science research to benefit trees and people.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will also have opportunities to connect with the broader evolutionary biology community of the Chicago Region, including potential colleagues at The Field Museum, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Chicago Botanic Garden.

This position begins as early as August, 2023. Beginning salary is $60,000 to $62,000 commensurate with experience. The position comes with full benefits.

Please apply online at: https://careers.hireology.com/themortonarboretum/1244052/description. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

Please send all inquiries to ahipp@mortonarb.org.