Postdoctoral Researcher, Tree and Fungal Ecology- Full-time/Term Limit

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit botanic garden dedicated to the study, growth, and conservation of trees both in the Chicago region and worldwide. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team to implement and oversee cutting-edge research into tree and mycorrhizal fungal ecology. In addition to interacting with the collaborative team in the Center for Tree Science at The Morton Arboretum, the postdoc will also be supported by a diverse network of partners at the University of Minnesota and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In this project and all of our work at The Morton Arboretum, we strive to be inclusive, work together, and keep learning so that we can make the Arboretum exceptional.

Position Summary: Implement research related to the Department of Energy grant, “Linking mycorrhizal network phenology to above- and belowground plant phenology and environmental factors” (description here). Take a lead role in establishing new research and leverage existing data from an ongoing multi-year project linking above- and belowground phenology in temperate trees. The research will emphasize novel data characterizing mycorrhizal fungal phenology. The postdoc will be based in the Root Lab in the Center for Tree Science at The Morton Arboretum, and will also work closely with the Kennedy Lab in the Plant and Microbial Biology Department at the University of Minnesota and with collaborators at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Funding for this position is expected to run for up to 30 months. Support for professional development, conference attendance, and opportunities to expand the candidate’s research network are also provided.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain procedures for repeated fungal community sampling in forestry plots at The Morton Arboretum.

• Support ongoing measurements of above- and belowground phenology in forestry plots.

• Extract DNA and characterize soil fungal communities using high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics.

• Identify changes in the growth, abundance, and composition of mycorrhizal fungal networks across the growing season and determine the coordination of mycorrhizal phenology with whole-plant phenology and environmental factors.

• Communicate with partners in the Kennedy Lab and at the Oak Ridge National Lab incorporating novel belowground processes into ecosystem and earth system models.

• Assist with data curation and depositing genomic and trait data to public repositories. 

• Conduct literature research and other independent learning as needed in order to accomplish tasks associated with the project and keep abreast of new scientific advances.

• Prepare and submit scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals, as well as other scientific analyses as required by the partnership. 

• Participate in outreach and data sharing efforts to expand the impact of the project. 

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: PhD degree required in plant or microbial biology, ecosystem ecology, soil science, or ecology with demonstrated expertise in field and lab research. A successful track record as an emerging research scientist including demonstrated communication with academic and professional audiences through publications, presentations and/or other media, and a commitment to conducting relevant and timely research is required. Field experience collecting plant tissues and/or soil samples and maintaining long-term monitoring campaigns is required. Lab experience with DNA extractions, library constructions, sequence analysis and bioinformatics along with other lab analytical skills are highly desirable. Experience in R programming and statistical analyses is beneficial. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.

Success Factors: Strong analytical abilities. Self-motivated, with the initiative and resourcefulness to implement, evaluate, and report on research projects. Desire to conduct interdisciplinary research with other scientists and communicate with a dispersed team. Ability to write manuscripts for scientific peer-reviewed journals and communicate results to a broad audience. Ability to embrace and align with the organization’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 30 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals will be necessary. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required. Some travel may be required, including visits with project collaborators and conference attendance. 

• Work Environment: Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. This position is designated as a hybrid-eligible position, allowing for some work to be performed off premise, during regular hours of work.

• Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular fields of tree, root, and soil research, Arboretum pick-up truck and/or utility vehicle.

• Schedule: Work may require occasional evening and weekend hours.

All Arboretum employees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of that status in order to maintain their employment.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion of 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.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.