The Harvard University Herbaria (HUH; http://huh.harvard.edu) invites nominations and direct applications for the Harvard University Herbaria Postdoctoral Fellowship, a postdoctoral fellowship in plant science. We especially seek outstanding early-career scientists who see new opportunities and innovations for collections-based research. The goal of the program is to facilitate collections-based, applied research at the HUH using available digital resources. Possible research topics include ecological niche modeling, assessing systematic and phylogenetic diversity, climate change, species’ invasions, morphological and physiological diversity across a landscape, plant-insect and/or -pathogen interactions, and collections management. We especially encourage applications with strong statistical and computational backgrounds (including database manipulation). Large-scale meta-analyses are encouraged, but projects to develop bioinformatics pipelines to make collections more broadly accessible are also welcome.

The HUH include six collections and more than five million specimens of algae, bryophytes, fungi, and vascular plants. Together they form one of the largest university herbarium collections in the world, and the third largest herbarium in the United States. With its state-of-the art research laboratories, computational facilities, and world class libraries, the HUH have been a centerpiece of biodiversity science since the early 1800s. More information about the HUH can be found on its website http://huh.harvard.edu/.

Eligibility

Applications are sought from early career individuals with a Doctorate in plant evolution, plant ecology, horticulture, or related discipline. Applicants must have their Doctorate by the time their appointment is expected to begin at the HUH. Preference will be given to candidates who have received their Doctorate within the last 5 years. International candidates are welcome to apply.

Fellowship Details

The Harvard University Herbaria Postdoctoral Fellowship is awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year, to enable the fellow to work under the mentorship of a Harvard University faculty member. Fellowships will be awarded on an annual basis. The yearly application deadline for this program is November 1.

The Fellow must initiate his or her term at the HUH within one year of notification of award and will be expected to be in full-time residence during his or her tenure.

The Harvard University Herbaria Fellowship provides a modest stipend and allowance for travel and professional expenses.

Application Information

Fellowships are awarded through a competitive review process. To be considered for an award, online applications should be submitted via ARiES athttp://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/5680 and include the following:

• Cover letter
• Research proposal. No longer than 4 pages, single-spaced, and should describe (i) the nature and scope of the proposed research project; (ii) the approach and methods to be employed; (iii) how the collections of the HUH would be utilized; (iv) all laboratory and equipment requirements; and (v) how the project will advance knowledge about the plant kingdom. References should be included but do not count as part of the 4-page limit.
• Research budget. A modest budget is available for research and travel costs. Applicants should submit a simple, 1-page budget that itemizes by year the research and travel costs associated with the proposed project.
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information of at least three references. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is complete only when all three letters have been received. Letters of recommendation are due within 3 weeks of the application submission.

Contact Information

Inquiries may be made by email to Jeannette Everritt at jeverritt@oeb.harvard.edu.

Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.…