We are hiring for a postdoctoral position in plant-pollinator ecology.
The postdoc would lead an NSF-funded project investigating how specific plant-pollinator interaction patterns contribute to short-term plant and pollinator reproduction and long-term population persistence in the Madrean Sky Islands. We are looking for a postdoc with strong bioinformatic, analytical, and writing skills to co-lead publications based on existing data generated over the last five years on population genetics and individual-level plant-pollinator, pollinator-microbiome, and pollinator-parasite networks from the Madrean Sky Islands. The position can begin as soon as May 1, 2023 and will be based at UT Austin. The initial appointment is one year, with the potential for extensions up to 2 years.
Responsibilities
-Lead various projects related to an NSF-funded Sky Islands research program
-Coordinate and lead data management, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis of bee population genetics and pollen metabarcoding data
-Mentor students in the laboratory and help to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, exploration, learning, and constructive feedback
-Leverage and continue to develop excellent communication skills, including effective writing
Required Qualifications
-Ph.D. in ecology or a related field of study must have been received within the past 3 years.
-Experience with bioinformatics
-Experience with other quantitative methods in ecology or evolutionary biology
-Strong record of leading multi-author publications
-Commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the sciences
-Prior experience supervising undergraduate and/or graduate students
-Programming experience in one or more scripting languages such as R or Python
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with pollinators
Salary Range
$58,000 + depending on qualifications
Required Materials
-C.V.
-Cover Letter
-PhD Verification (Examples of official documentation of the degree include: Copy of diploma (preferred) or official English translation of diploma, Copy of a letter of completion on letterhead from the office of the registrar or graduate office confirming completion of degree requirements, Copy of official transcript in English with "degree awarded" information.)
- 2-3 work references with contact information (email and phone); at least one should be from a supervisor.
Apply here
Prospective graduate students (not accepting 2024)

- Prospective graduate students: we are not accepting students in 2024 (we have 4 graduate students already). For the future, we admit students to the University of Oregon who wish to start their graduate programs through the Institute of Ecology and Evolution.
- We do not require prospectives to have a strongly quantitative background, only enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
- If you are interested in joining the lab as a graduate student please email PI Ponisio:
- 1) Your cv, including you past research projects (REU, field technician, honors thesis, etc. ) and your role in them, any awards, grants, publication and presentations
2) A summary of your research interests and how they fit with the Ponisio lab
- We evaluate applicants based on research interest fit, academic preparation, scholarly potential, contributions to diversity/equity/inclusion.
- Very competitive candidates for the institute and lab will rant "high" in the below rubric (except with "alignment with program" fitting our lab mission/training specifically).
- Check out Sarah Cooley's excellent page on tips for applying to graduate school for additional advise