Postdoctoral Scholar in Paleobotany in the Strömberg lab
Position Overview
Organization: Biology
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Paleobotany in the Strömberg lab
Position Details
Position Description
The Strömberg lab at the University of Washington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position to work on an NSF-sponsored project (DEB-2530295: Closing the gap: The history of river connections with the formation of the isthmus of Panama and its impact on the evolution of plants in rivers). This collaborative project will integrate genomic, paleontological, and geological data to unveil how riverweeds (Podostemaceae) in Neotropical rivers migrated and evolved as the Isthmus of Panama formed and develop the first model for the tempo and pattern of formation of riverine connections across the Isthmus.
The Strömberg lab Postdoctoral Scholar will work to create a paleobotanical record for the region using fossil phytoliths (plant silica), to constrain the earliest evidence and spread of riverweeds across the Isthmus. The Postdoctoral Researcher will also have an opportunity to learn about genomic approaches and the study of fossil pollen, as well as do outreach through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle.
To fill the position, we seek a creative, innovative, and collaborative individual to join our interdisciplinary research group. The successful candidate will have experience with paleobotanical methods, preferably including fieldwork, laboratory work, and statistical analysis. Experience with phytoliths is an advantage but is not required.
Start date is March 2026.
Compensation:
This is a 12 month service period position with 100% FTE. The base salary for this position will be $68, 484 ($5, 707 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination). This position is paid by the University of Washington.
Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website. https://hr.uw.edu/labor/academic-and-student-unions/uaw-postdocs/uaw-postdoc-contract
Position Responsibilities:
• Conduct original research in paleobotany using phytoliths, including fieldwork in Panama, laboratory work, microscopy, and data analysis
• Present research in oral and written form, contributing to one or more scientific publications
• Participate in outreach activities, including a workshop for undergraduate students held at STRI, as well as through the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle
Lab Environment: The Strömberg paleobotany and paleoecology lab seeks to understand how the interaction between plants and their environment (e.g., climate, animals) have led to the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on the last ~100 million years. To answer questions within this overarching theme, we combine fieldwork to discover new plant fossils, experiments and study of modern ecosystems to develop new ways to query the fossil record of plants, quantitative analysis of plant morphology (e.g., geometric morphometrics, machine learning), and phylogenetic comparative approaches.
We have:
• An engaging, supportive, and collaborative research environment.
• Opportunities for professional development in novel techniques and interdisciplinary methodologies.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources at the University of Washington.
• A commitment to mentorship and career growth.
Qualifications
The commitment for this position is 18 months. Candidates from diverse educational or professional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Qualifications
• PhD in Biology, Geology, Paleontology, Archaeology, or a related field, by the start of employment.
• Experience with botany, paleobotany, or archaeobotany.
• Experience working collaboratively in teams and effectively communicate research findings.
Desired Qualifications
• Experience working with phytoliths.
• Experience with fieldwork and laboratory work.
• Experience with statistical analyses using R software or similar.
Instructions
Applications for this position should include a:
(1) Curriculum Vitae with the names and contact information of 3 references
(2) Cover letter, including half-page summary of research experience and interests.
Please check http://www.stromberglab.org/join.html for more information about the position and reach out to Caroline Strömberg (caestrom@uw.edu) with questions about the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.
As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits
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Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.