Postdoc in Lichen Distribution

Jessica Allen’s lab is recruiting for a postdoc to work on an NSF-funded project focused on lichen distributions. Substantial experience with popgen, genomics, or landscape analysis is preferred. In 2023 we will be launching the Great Appalachian Lichen Bioblitz and will use iNaturalist to gather extensive observation data from throughout the region. We will also make extensive use of herbarium specimens and their associated data.

Formal description for position:
Post-Doctoral Researcher in Symbiosis Evolution and Ecology

Eastern Washington University’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics,  is searching to fill a two-year postdoctoral research position in Dr. Jessica Allen’s Biology Lab as part of a $1.4 million NSF-funded collaborative project with The New York Botanical Garden titled “Integrating Digitization, Exploration, Genomics, and Student Training to Illuminate Forces Shaping Appalachian Lichen Distributions.”  The project will examine the how intrinsic biological characteristics and extrinsic environmental conditions shape species distributions through development of lichen symbioses in the Appalachian Mountains as a model system. The award summary can be viewed on the National Science Foundation Website. The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for conducting multiple large-scale analyses and publishing the results. Past experience analyzing population genomics and/or ecological data sets is essential. Additional aspects of the position can be negotiated to match the postdoctoral researcher’s career goals and interests (e.g., include field work, undergraduate and graduate student mentoring, teaching, and public outreach). This position includes funding for travel to two conferences, workshops, or other networking and training opportunities each year. The ideal candidate for this position will take advantage of the opportunity to gain substantial experiences integrating research with undergraduate education.

EWU is a regional comprehensive university and the 20 faculty members in the Biology Department excel in undergraduate research and education. The Biology Department also hosts a Master’s of Science program that enrolls 25 students. EWU is located in Cheney, Washington, 16 miles south of Spokane, WA, which was recently recognized as one of the up-and-coming small cities in the USA. Situated at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, a few hours’ drive from the Cascade Mountains, and multiple large lakes and rivers, the area has a great deal to offer outdoor recreation enthusiasts. There are multiple other universities and research institutes in the area with which EWU faculty maintain active collaborations, including Washington State University, The University of Idaho, Gonzaga University, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories.

The candidate will be co-mentored by James Lendemer at The New York Botanical Garden, and will work collaboratively on site with the team in New York City for a portion of their time in this position.

Open until Filled: This is an open recruitment, three days’ notice will be provided prior to closure of recruitment.

Please see job duties section for specific job duties.