Postdoctoral Scholar in Evolutionary Biology
Augustana University: Biology
Location: Sioux Falls, SD or Remote
Start Date: June 2026 or flexible
Description
A postdoctoral scholar position is available in 2026 in the Olson-Manning Lab at Augustana University to contribute to NSF CAREER-funded research on the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms shaping hybridization in common and showy milkweeds (Asclepias syriaca and A. speciosa). This position is designed to be flexible and may be structured either as a fully remote, research-focused appointment or as an in-person appointment in Sioux Falls that includes teaching opportunities
The Olson-Manning Lab, housed in the Department of Biology at Augustana University, values diversity in all forms and is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Research in the lab focuses on gene expression and regulatory evolution in parental milkweed species and their hybrids, with particular emphasis on co-expression network architecture. In addition to contributing to the NSF CAREER-funded aims, the postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to help shape related research directions and to develop an independent line of inquiry suited to a collaborative, undergraduate-centered environment. Applicants with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply: evolutionary biology, genomics, gene expression analysis, bioinformatics, and related fields.
For applicants based in Sioux Falls and interested in teaching, the position may include approximately 25% effort devoted to teaching and pedagogical development. In that case, responsibilities may include co-instruction in a general biology course and development or teaching of an upper-level course in the candidate’s area of expertise. Class sizes are typically 18–25 students, and the scholar would receive mentoring from faculty in a department committed to effective and innovative teaching. Applicants seeking a fully remote appointment will not be expected to teach.
The earliest start date is June 1, 2026, though a later start date is possible. The appointment is expected to be for up to two years, contingent on successful annual review. The starting salary is $55,000/year plus full benefits.
The Biology Department at Augustana University is a diverse and welcoming community of scientists engaged in scholarship across a wide range of biological fields. Augustana is a private, primarily undergraduate university with approximately 2,100 undergraduates and no graduate programs in Biology. The Olson-Manning Lab includes one full-time research technician, 3–8 undergraduate research assistants, and collaborations with scientists at research-intensive institutions in South Dakota and across the country.
For candidates considering an in-person appointment, Augustana University is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a growing and affordable city of approximately 200,000 people. Sioux Falls has a vibrant downtown, a strong sense of community, and easy access to outdoor recreation. The city is within driving distance of several regional universities, including the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University.
Qualifications
Required:
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PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics/Genomics, or a closely related field.
Preferred:
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Experience working with genomic or transcriptomic data, and a strong conceptual background in evolutionary biology.
Interacting with students, faculty and leadership with different backgrounds and points of view and a deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture must be a top value of the candidate.
Application Procedure:
Applicants interested in working remotely and who reside in the following locations will be considered for employment: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Candidates from other states will require prior approval to move forward in the process.
The position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the below application materials via our Career Center Portal. If assistance is needed during the application process, please reach out to [email protected].
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One-page cover letter
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C.V.
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One relevant publication or manuscript in preparation
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Contact information for two references
Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.
