POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Job no: 498711

Work type: Postdoc / Research / Fellow

Location: Denver, CO

Categories: Postdoc / Fellow, Research

Division: Natural Sciences and Math

About Biology Department

The University of Denver and the Department of Biological Sciences has a growing group of faculty, students, and postdocs studying Ecology and Evolution (see https://dueeb.weebly.com). The EEB program is a dynamic and highly interactive group.

Position Summary

Primary duties will include conducting research on drought ecophysiology and metabolomic biology as well building simulation models to forecast drought and climate impacts on Rocky Mountain forests. The postdoctoral scientist will also assist the Martin lab in the management of the University of Denver's Chester M. Alter Arboretum (https://www.du.edu/arboretum). There will be opportunities collaboration and outreach with colleagues at Clemson University and personnel in U.S. Park and Forest Services and stakeholders and participants in a regional network of arboreta (arbnet.org).

Annual appointment, renewable up to three (3) years.

Essential Functions

The postdoctoral research scientist will be responsible for carrying out research projects in the laboratory and field, training and supervising other personnel, analyzing data, and publishing results in a timely fashion.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Forest ecology, plant biology, data management and modeling, tree ring collection and analysis, coding in R and ArcGIS.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant ecology and/or ecophysiology required.

• Experience collecting and analyzing tree demography, ecophysiology, and stress biology

• Strong modeling and coding skills

• Experience and willingness to do field work

• Excellent analytical skills

• Demonstrated ability to publish high quality papers

• Good communication and writing skills; demonstrated ability to mentor students and manage a research program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in tree ring dendrochronology and forest stand simulation modeling.

• Interest and experience in ornamental tree plant selection and arboretum management.

• The position provides additional opportunities for independent research in related areas for motivated scientists.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.

• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.

• Ability to hike and camp in high elevation montane forest ecosystems.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 32 hours/week.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 5:00 p.m. (MST) April 19, 2026.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is GE8.

Hourly Rate:

The hourly rate for this position is $30.41.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference.

Please include the following documents with your application:

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Ame