Pepperdine University’s Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences invites applications for a research position as Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Biology. This position is contingent on receipt of funding from the National Science Foundation. The preferred start date is May 2025 but can be flexible. Applicants should have earned a PhD in plant biology, ecology, or related field.

We seek an outstanding researcher with expertise in plant anatomy and plant physiological ecology to work on an NSF-funded project broadly aimed at assessing anatomical and physiological traits in terrestrial and epiphytic resurrection ferns.

Key responsibilities include working with the principal investigator and undergraduate students in conducting fieldwork and benchwork, analyzing data, authoring manuscripts for publication, and teaching 1-2 lab sections per semester. The fellow will experience opportunities to supervise students in the lab, travel to professional conferences, and receive mentorship in career development (research, teaching, and grant writing).

Duties

• Research: Scientific Experiments
  • Collect laboratory and field data for the project. Data may include (but are not limited to): anatomical measurements (including microCT analysis), physiological measurements, and ecological measurements.
  • Water and otherwise maintain the living plants in the laboratory and greenhouse.
  • Conduct data analysis for the project, with assistance from the Assistant Professor of Biology.
  • Write a first draft of the manuscript(s) that results from this research. The postdoc will work on subsequent drafts of the manuscript(s) in collaboration with the Assistant Professor of Biology.
  • Present the findings from this project at conferences such as the Ecological Society of American and the Botanical Society of America.
  • Help write the annual reports.
  • Collaborate on research projects with data science faculty and students.
  • If needed, may assist with writing permit applications.
• Research: Outreach
  • Assist undergraduate students with scientific outreach activities.
• Professional Development
  • If possible, take the Tropical Ferns and Lycophytes course offered by the Organization for Tropical Studies.
  • Create an Individual Development Plan using the AAAS model.
• Teaching
  • Teach 1-2 lab sections per semester. These lab sections will likely include MATH317 and BIOL213 labs.
  • Mentor undergraduate research students working on the project.
  • Attend pedagogy workshops offered by the Center for Teaching Excellence.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in plant biology, ecology, or a related discipline
• Research experience in plant anatomy or plant physiological ecology
• Proficiency in basic statistical analyses (including R)
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Comfortable working in challenging field conditions

Preferred:

• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record
• Experience with image analysis
• Experience with basic plant horticulture

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Restricted, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Rate: $68,640 per year

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Pepperdine University is a private Christian university overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Faculty, staff, and students partner to support Pepperdine’s Christian mission. Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission and values of the University and the mission of Seaver College.

Review of candidates' files will begin on April 14, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Any inquiries about this position should be sent to Dr. Helen Holmlund (helen.holmlund@pepperdine.edu), Assistant Professor of Biology.