Postdoctoral Research Scientist –Lichens

Position

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Lichens

FLSA Status

Exempt

Department

Negaunee Integrative Research

Our Mission

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage:
  Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security:
  Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance:
  Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Exclusive Perks:
  Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

Job Overview

The Grainger Bioinformatics Center of the Collections, Conservation, and Research Division at the Field Museum is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate for a full-time, two-year term position, with the possibility of extension. This privately funded (non-government) position focuses on advancing research in the comparative genomics and population genomics/phylogenomics of lichen symbioses, particularly involving non-model organisms and complex symbiotic systems.

Project

Scope

This position offers an exciting opportunity to explore evolutionary diversification, population structure, and genomic adaptation in lichens, with an emphasis on fungal symbionts and their interactions with algal and bacterial partners. The research leverages whole-genome sequencing, target enrichment, and RADseq to investigate co-evolution, genomic convergence, and ecological specialization across taxonomic and geographic scales.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze genomic datasets, including assembly, annotation, and comparative analysis of symbiont genomes.
• Develop and apply workflows for phylogenomic inference, population structure analysis, and species delimitation.
• Collaborate on sequencing, data integration, and interpretation of multi-omic datasets.
• Contribute to manuscript writing, presentations, and broader dissemination of research outcomes.
• Participate in mentoring and training undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

Mentorship and Expectations

• The position includes support and career development under a formal Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan.
• The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish at least one lead-author manuscript per year and to contribute to collaborative publications.
• The position is based at The Field Museum in Chicago, and active on-site participation is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in genomic data analysis, especially in comparative or population genomics.
• Proficiency in one or more scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, Perl, Bash).
• Familiarity with standard bioinformatics pipelines for sequence analysis, genome assembly, and variant analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RADseq, target enrichment, or metagenomic sequencing approaches.
• Background in fungal biology, lichenology, or symbiotic systems.
• Interest in molecular evolution, non-model organisms, and integrative evolutionary analysis.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Director of Phylogenomics Initiative, Grainger Bioinformatics Center.

Supervision Exercised

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift

35 hours

Hybrid Eligibility

Not eligible

Location

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Pay Range

$61,461.58 / Annually

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

Application Assistance

If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment.

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