Position title: Postdoctoral Researcher Salary range: Starting at $55,000 Percent time: 100% Location: Syracuse, NY Anticipated start: May 2025 Review date: Apply by April 15 to ensure full consideration. Applications received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description: The Becklin Lab seeks a postdoctoral researcher in the areas of plant ecophysiology and/or plant-microbe interactions to work on a fully funded NSF project, “Integrated plant-aphid dynamics mediated by above-and below ground mutualisms in a rapidly warming community.” This collaborative project will involve researchers from Kent State University, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and SUNY-ESF. Field components of the project will take place at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory near Crested Butte, Colorado. Project rationale: Biotic interactions can shift with rising temperatures, altering eco-evolutionary dynamics within multi-trophic networks in ways that are challenging to predict. Characterizing physiological and eco-evolutionary mechanisms that drive the population dynamics of a keystone species, like aphid herbivores, is critical for predicting how these complex systems will respond or adapt to novel environments. Scope of work: This project will integrate long-term field observations and manipulative experiments with agent-based models to develop a mechanistic understanding of temperature responses in a well-studied subalpine plant-aphid system. The project will test hypotheses related to the following aims:
1. Testing the role of above- and belowground mutualisms in mediating aphid temperature responses. We will experimentally warm air and soil temperatures to investigate potential asymmetry of temperature responses across plant-microbe, plant-aphid, and aphid-ant interactions. 2. Assessing local adaptation within plant-aphid interactions across a temperature gradient. We will conduct a reciprocal transplant experiment to test constraints on aphid population dynamics caused by local adaptation in plant-microbe and plant-aphid interactions. 3. Modeling aphid population dynamics and system responses to climate change. Using legacy data collected since 2017 and experimental data from the previous aims, we will construct a hierarchical, agent-based model to forecast patterns in Postdoctoral responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher’s responsibilities on this project will include: * Collaborate with researchers at UCCS and SUNY-ESF to design and implement field experiments; * Collaborate with researchers at Kent State to integrate field data with models; * Collect data related to the plant and soil components of both field experiments; * Work as a team to coordinate data entry, quality control, and archiving; * Co-mentor 1-2 undergraduate researchers each year; * Develop educational materials related to their component of the project; * Present research findings at one conference per year; * Prepare manuscripts for publication, including some as lead author. Mentoring: The postdoctoral researcher will be supervised by Dr. Katie Becklin. They will also be co-mentored remotely by Dr. Emily Mooney (UCCS), Dr. Christie Bahlai (Kent State University), and Dr. John Drake (SUNY-ESF). We will employ a structured mentoring program to support the postdocs’ professional development. This will include individual development plans (IDP), career planning advice, and opportunities to develop communication, grant writing, teaching, and mentoring skills. The postdoc will meet regularly with project mentors to discuss their progress, goals, and career aspirations. Additional professional development opportunities will be available to the postdoc at their home institution and at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. The PIs will foster a safe and inclusive work environment by working collaboratively with our personnel to develop a team code of conduct and work safety plan. These documents will be discussed and revised at the beginning of each field season. All personnel will also complete required safety training prior to embarking on fieldwork. Fieldwork in Colorado: Fieldwork for this project will be extensive and take place at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, an established but remote field station on traditional Ute lands near Crested Butte, CO. The station hosts hundreds of scientists each year, creating a thriving scientific environment with a strong supportive infrastructure. The station includes housing and dining facilities, and has established Health and Safety; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Title IX personnel and policies. Accessing experimental field sites will require short hikes along trails or remote roads. Basic qualifications: (required at time of application) * PhD (or equivalent international degree) by the start date * No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date Preferred qualifications: * PhD in ecology, evolution, plant biology, microbial ecology, or a related field * Prior experience doing ecological fieldwork * Prior experience measuring functional responses in plant and/or microbial systems * Available for 6 weeks of team-based fieldwork in June/July each summer. This will require living at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and may include 5-6 days/week of fieldwork with pre-sunrise departures. * Able to walk 4-6 miles (at 7000+ ft elevation) each field day * Able to carry 20-40 lbs of equipment using a backpack * Valid United States driver’s license Application Requirements: To apply, submit the following materials to Dr. Katie Becklin (kmbec...@syr.edu<mailto:kmbec...@syr.edu>) by April 15. * Curriculum Vitae * Cover Letter * Contact information for 3 references ******************* Katie M. Becklin Biology Department (pronouns: she, her, hers) T 315.443.2155 F 315.443.2012 kmbec...@syr.edu<mailto:kmbec...@syr.edu> 107 College Place, LSC 442, Syracuse, NY 13244 thecollege.syr.edu/biology<http://thecollege.syr.edu/biology> Syracuse University To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
