Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Ecophysiology

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, NE invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Ecophysiology. The Smith Ecophysiology Lab investigates plant responses to environmental variability and global change, with access to state-of-the-art facilities within UNL’s Beadle Center.

The successful candidate will conduct empirical and modeling studies, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and collaborate with an international team to advance understanding of plant

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by the start date.
• Expertise in plant physiology, physiological ecology, global change biology, ecological modeling, or related field.
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.
• Carry out empirical and modeling research on plant physiological responses to environmental variability.
• Collaborate with international partners and contribute to ongoing projects.

Skills

Plant physiology

Ecophysiology

Global change biology

Ecological modeling

Education

Ph.D. by start date

Tools

Computational modeling

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Ecophysiology

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Working Title Postdoctoral Research Associate in Plant Ecophysiology

Department

Department School of Biological Sciences-1076

Requisition Number

Requisition Number F_260101

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/01/2026

Application Review Date

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 11/02/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

A postdoctoral position examining plant physiological responses to environmental variability is available in the lab of Dr. Nick Smith in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln ( UNL ).

The Smith Ecophysiology Lab examines the responses of plants and ecosystems to change in abiotic conditions and the resulting feedbacks from these responses to global change. The successful applicant will join a vibrant group of researchers in the lab, which is housed within the Beadle Center at UNL . The postdoc will work closely with an international group of collaborators focused on improving understanding and predictability of plant physiological processes and their feedbacks to ecosystem processes under global change.

The postdoctoral research associate will be given freedom to explore questions and develop projects pertinent to their interests and experiences. These should overlap with one or more of the following ongoing themes in the lab:

• Plant physiological acclimation to global change
• Development of quantitative plant ecophysiological theory
• The impact of belowground resource availability on plant physiological processes
• Scaling from leaves to the globe
• Interactions between plants and microbial symbionts and the impact on physiology
• Species and functional type specific responses to global change
• Land surface and Earth system modeling
• Plant resource uptake and use optimization

Within the lab and at UNL , the postdoc will have access to state-of-the-art ecophysiological equipment, growth chamber and greenhouse facilities, as well as computational facilities both within the lab and through the University’s High Performance Computing Center. The Smith Ecophysiology Lab is also part of the Nutrient Network.

The successful candidate will carry out empirical and modeling research examining plant physiological responses and feedbacks to environmental variability. The specific projects will be tailored to the individual’s interests and expertise. The position will also involve mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. by the start date.
• Expertise in plant physiology, physiological ecology, global change biology, ecological modeling, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience carrying out manipulation experiments examining plant physiological responses.
• Ability to start by or before January 1, 2027. However, later start dates may be possible.

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Category

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Post Docs & Other Academic

Job Type

Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Planned Hire Date 01/01/2027

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location

Organizational Location Default Location

Supplemental Questions

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