Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher

Botanical Society of America; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kansas seeks a two-year, full-time Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Botany Division and R.L. McGregor Herbarium.

The role emphasizes herbarium-based, innovative plant biodiversity research, including systematics, evolution, genomics, and AI applications, with opportunities for collaboration and outreach. The successful candidate will develop an active research program, contribute to publications, and support herbarium and BI/NHM objectives, with potential

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant biodiversity or related field by start date.
• Experience with specimen-based research on vascular plants.
• Herbarium-based research experience.
• Ability to communicate science to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in plant biodiversity, including systematics, evolution, genomics and AI applications.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at meetings.
• Lead or contribute to external research proposals.
• Manage herbarium collections and mentor junior researchers.

Education

Ph.D. in plant biodiversity, systematics, evolution, or related field

Job description

Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas - Lawrence, Kansas, USA

Position Title: Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Type: Post-Doctoral Position

Application Review Begins: Tuesday, September 01, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026

Institution: University of Kansas

Department/Division: Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum, Botany Division

Field (e.g., systematics): systematics

City: Lawrence, Kansas, USA

General Information: The University of Kansas (KU), Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM) invites applications for a two-year, full-time, postdoctoral researcher position in plant biodiversity, situated in the Botany Division and R.L. McGregor Herbarium (https://biodiversity.ku.edu/botany). There is potential for renewal of the appointment based on funding developments. Applicants will be expected to conduct herbarium- and specimen-based, innovative research in plant biodiversity, including systematics, evolution, and genomics, and integrative AI applications. Potential complementary research foci include regional floristics, ecology, biodiversity data science, and conservation. The successful candidate will develop an active, collaborative research program as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, research proposals, herbarium collection advancement, and outreach activities through the herbarium and the BI/NHM.

Qualifications/Requirements

1. Ph.D. in plant biodiversity, systematics, evolution, or a related field (applicants must hold their terminal degree by the position start date).
2. Demonstrated proficiency in specimen-based research involving vascular plants as required by previous experience.
3. Experience in herbarium-based research.
4. Experience communicating science to the public and other relevant communities.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Strong record of innovative biodiversity research incorporating herbarium specimens, field work, phylogenetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and emerging AI applications as evidenced by application materials.
2. Experience in mobilizing digitized herbarium specimens, associated media, and specimen extensions.
3. Previous experience that required collection curation and management skills.
4. Experience in leading and contributing to collaborative research proposals and awards.
5. Strong research focus, or stated interest to develop such focus, on plant taxa occurring in North America and especially the central North American grasslands as evidenced by application materials.
6. Stated interest in developing fruitful collaborations with the joint KBS-CER Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory (KNHI) program focused on state-wide plant community monitoring and conservation assessments (https://biosurvey.ku.edu/kansas-natural-heritage-inventory) as evidenced by application materials.

Responsibilities: Job Description

Research (50%)

• Conduct innovative and collaborative research in plant biodiversity, systematics, evolution, genomics, and integrative and ethical AI applications.
• Prepare and publish research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research at regional to international meetings.
• Lead or contribute to collaborative research proposals to external agencies.

Professional Performance (35%)

• Contribute to the management, use, and advancement of the herbarium collection.
• Contribute, as appropriate, to supervision or mentorship of research personnel supported by grants and contracts.
• Contribute, as appropriate, to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research and curation activities in the herbarium and in other synergistic projects.

Service (15%)

• Lead and contribute to plant biodiversity- and herbarium-promoting outreach that informs and promotes public understanding and appreciation of herbaria and plant biodiversity.
• Contribute to the plant biodiversity field and community by reviewing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, reviewing research proposals, and providing other scholarly or academic society services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Inquiries are encouraged: [e-mail]

Nico Franz, Ph.D.

Director & Professor, BI/NHM

https://biodiversity.ku.edu/