Postdoctoral Researcher in Conservation Genomics

Ball State PBS; Muncie (IN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Paid vacation days

Paid parental leave

Disability and life insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Conservation Genomics. This full-time, at-will position begins May 2027 and is grant funded.

The role centers on directing frog breeding experiments seasonally and leading genomics projects throughout the year. The successful candidate will organize and analyze genomic data, supervise undergraduates, collaborate with conservation partners, and contribute to conference presentations and published work

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by appointment date.
• At least one year of research experience in a university setting.
• Blended background in conservation genomics and applied wildlife biology with interest in bioinformatics.
• Experience coordinating logistics for fieldwork or research in remote areas (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Direct frog breeding experiments at field sites during summer.
• Organize and analyze genomic data, process genetic samples, and lead genomics work during academic year.
• Collaborate across academic and conservation partners on research.
• Supervise undergraduate researchers in collecting frog development data.
• Disseminate findings and lead publication of research in peer‑reviewed journals.

Education

Ph.D. in biology or closely related field by date of appointment

Tools

Bioinformatics

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Researcher in Conservation Genomics

Compensation

$62,374

Department

Biology

About this opportunity

The Department of Biology has a Research Assistant position in conservation genomics. This is a full-time, at-will position with a start date of May 2027. This position is grant funded and the individual hired will have an at-will assignment.

Position Function

• Direct Chiricahua Leopard Frog breeding experiments at field sites during the summer and lead genomics projects during the academic year.

Job Duties

• Field Research & Management: Direct and manage frog breeding experiments at the Southwestern Research Station (SWRS) and partner sites during the summer breeding seasons.
• Data & Laboratory Analysis: Organize and analyze genomic data, process genetic samples, and lead genomics work during the academic year.
• Collaboration: Integrate research efforts across academic and conservation partners.
• Supervise undergraduate researchers in the collection of frog development data and guide them in independent research experiences.
• Dissemination & Planning: Participate fully in the planning and implementation of all research aims, present findings at scientific conferences, and lead the publication of research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, conservation genomics, applied wildlife biology, evolution and ecology, or a closely related field by date of appointment.
• At least one year of research experience in a university setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• A blended background in conservation genomics and applied wildlife biology, with an interest in bioinformatics.
• Any experience with amphibian husbandry is helpful.
• Experience monitoring undergraduate researchers.
• Strong collaborative skills for interacting with conservation agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic partners.
• Experience coordinating logistics for fieldwork or conducting research in remote areas.

What we offer

• Paid 24 vacation days, 12 sick days and 10 holidays a year.
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks).
• Affordable health and dental insurance.
• Robust long-term disability and life insurance plans.
• A range of retirement benefits.
• We cover 90% of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State.
• We cover 100% of your undergraduate degree tuition and 80% of your graduate tuition.

Curious about our excellent benefits package? We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Professional and download the spreadsheet. If you are applying for a 10-month position or one with Burris or Indiana Academy, please select the corresponding calculator.

Goodness requires action to grow. We're dedicated to doing our part to keep goodness growing in Muncie, at our university, and as far beyond as possible. That's where you come in. When you join our team, you become part of goodness in action. Our main priority: uplifting students so they can discover their full potential. This is how we fly.

Ball State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any legally protected status. Ball State provides accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position. Contact Melissa Rubrecht, Director of Employee Relations, at 765-285-1823 for assistance.

People and Culture Services Administration Building (AD), Room G008 2000 University Avenue Muncie, IN 47306 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]