Post Doctoral Scholar, Evolutionary Biology

VS-Postdoc; Sioux Falls (SD); Hybrid; USD 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

VS-Postdoc offers a postdoctoral scholar position in Evolutionary Biology for candidates interested in research on hybridization in milkweed species. Located in Sioux Falls or remote, this full-time position offers a starting salary of $55,000 with potential teaching opportunities. Applicants should have a PhD in a related field, ideally with experience in genomic data. The role emphasizes collaboration in a diverse academic environment. Ideal for candidates passionate about ecology and evolutionary biology.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field is required.
• Experience with genomic data is preferred.
• Strong conceptual understanding of evolutionary biology is essential.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to NSF CAREER-funded research on hybridization in milkweeds.
• Shape research directions and develop an independent line of inquiry.
• Incorporate teaching opportunities if based in Sioux Falls.

Skills

Experience working with genomic or transcriptomic data

Strong conceptual background in evolutionary biology

Ability to interact with diverse backgrounds

Education

PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics/Genomics

Job description

Post Doctoral Scholar, Evolutionary Biology

Type: Full-Time | Salary: $55,000 per year | Location: Sioux Falls, SD or Remote | Start Date: June 2026 (flexible)

A postdoctoral scholar position is available in 2026 in the Olson-Manning Lab at Augustana University to contribute to NSF CAREER-funded research on ecological and evolutionary mechanisms shaping hybridization in common and showy milkweeds (Asclepias syriaca and A. speciosa). This position is designed to be flexible and can be structured as a fully remote, research-focused appointment or as an in-person appointment in Sioux Falls that includes teaching opportunities.

Research focuses on gene expression and regulatory evolution in parental milkweed species and their hybrids, with emphasis on co-expression network architecture. The postdoctoral scholar will help shape related research directions and develop an independent line of inquiry suited to a collaborative, undergraduate-centered environment.

For candidates based in Sioux Falls interested in teaching, the position may include approximately 25% effort devoted to teaching and pedagogical development, including co-instruction in a general biology course or development/teaching of an upper-level course in the candidate’s area of expertise. Class sizes are typically 18–25 students. Applicants seeking a fully remote appointment will not be expected to teach.

The appointment is expected to be for up to two years, contingent on successful annual review. The starting salary is $55,000/year plus full benefits.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics/Genomics, or a closely related field.

Preferred:

• Experience working with genomic or transcriptomic data.
• Strong conceptual background in evolutionary biology.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty, and leadership from diverse backgrounds and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture.

Remote Eligibility

The position is open to remote applicants from the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Candidates from other states require prior approval.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre‑employment background check.