Postdoc: Tibetan flowering plants

[Richard Ree]

           Postdoctoral position in evolution, biogeography,
              and conservation of Tibetan flowering plants


The Botany Department at the Field Museum (Chicago, Illinois, USA) seeks
applicants for a two-year postdoctoral position to take part in a
project funded by the MacArthur Foundation to conduct research and build
capacity for biodiversity conservation in the eastern Himalaya.  The
project, a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and the
Kunming Insitute of Botany, focuses on three nature reserves in southern
Xizang (Tibet) where field trips will take place in the summers of 2006
– 2008.  In the field, the position entails general collecting of
vascular plant specimens and assisting in the training of local land
managers, students, and others in field techniques.  In Chicago, the
successful applicant will conduct research on the evolution and
biogeography of Tibetan plants at the Field Museum under the supervision
of co-PI Dr. Richard Ree.  Considerable flexibility in choosing a taxon
or study question will be granted – the person could pursue an
independent project, or take part in ongoing projects of the co-PI
focusing on taxa such as Pedicularis and Corydalis in the greater
Hengduan region. It is expected that the research will incorporate
molecular data, to be generated in the Field Museum's Pritzker
Laboratory, a modern and fully-equipped facility for molecular
systematics.

In addition to research, the position entails various logistical and
informatics-related duties, such as assisting the co-PI in managing a
specimen database and developing a project web site, facilitating
short-term visits by Chinese collaborators and trainees to Chicago, and
helping arrange field trips. These responsibilities will take up about
30% of the time.

Botanists with an interest in temperate Asia, alpine plants, Northern
Hemisphere biogeography, and/or biodiversity informatics are encouraged
to apply. Previous field and laboratory experience is strongly
preferred; GIS expertise is a plus. Starting date is flexible: as early
as August 2006 (in time for the first field trip) is possible. Salary is
$33,000 to $35,000 USD/year + full benefits for two years.

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for
two references to the following address. For more information, contact:

Dr. Richard Ree
Botany Dept., The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
USA

phone: 1-312-665-7857
e-mail: rree at fieldmuseum.org