Plant Biodiversity Postdoctoral Researcher

Plants define terrestrial ecosystems worldwide and plants influence the biodiversity, functioning and services provisioned by ecosystems that benefit society. Expertise in plant systematics is needed to understand how plant biodiversity is responding to environmental change. To address this challenge requires knowledge and experience in floristic inventory, specimen collection and curation, modern systematic treatments that leverage phenotypic and genomic information, innovative data and media mobilization, herbarium resources and leadership, and the potential to leverage AI towards these goals.
 
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. 
 
The R.L. McGregor Herbarium houses approximately 500,000 specimens and the largest single collection of Great Plains vascular plants and lichens. It ranks among the 40 largest herbaria in the U.S. and the 100 largest herbaria in the world in terms of accessioned specimens. Digital records for 80% of the holdings are accessible through major biodiversity data portals. The herbarium is located on KU's West Campus in the Bridwell Botany Research Laboratory, which contains offices, labs, preparation rooms, and a library used by the personnel. Herbarium members routinely collaborate with researchers in the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research (KBS-CER;  https://biosurvey.ku.edu/) and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB; https://eeb.ku.edu/). The Herbarium is permanently supported by an endowment that will be leveraged to support the candidate's prioritized research and collection advancement activities.
 
As a KU Research Center With 11 million specimens and 2 million archaeological artifacts, the BI/NHM ranks among the 30 largest, most active, and impactful biodiversity collection and research institutions globally. With more than 31,000 enrolled students, KU is the state's leading public research university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy.

This is for a two-year initial appointment, with possibility of renewal based on funding and performance.

We are unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this position. 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Nico Franz, nico.franz@ku.edu, (785) 864-4045

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter including past and future research foci and addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The application review date has been extended to October 9th, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to this date.

M-F, 8-5

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.