[On the colonial legacy of botanical collections]
Our research on the colonial legacy of herbaria was recently published in Nature Human Behaviour. Our results suggest that botanical collection trends across the last four centuries strongly bear the imprint of colonialism, both in the plant specimen records hosted online and the physical collections we examined. Our data suggest that centuries of colonialism have contributed to a reverse latitudinal gradient of preserved plant diversity in the form of herbarium collections. This work was the result of an international collaboration with researchers across herbaria on every continent. The cover features some amazing artwork from Gabriela Sincich. Learn more below:
- Journal article: The colonial legacy of herbaria
- Press coverage on The Conversation: Colonialism has shaped scientific plant collections around the world – here’s why that matters
- Behind the Paper: On the colonial legacy of botanical collections
[Postdoc opportunities]
Are you concerned about global change? Interested in conducting high-impact, original research using biodiversity data collected across the globe? Do you have a background in ecology, evolution, environmental data science, statistics, or a related field?
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead the analysis of spatial and temporal biodiversity data.
Specifically, our research group focuses on biogeographic and community-level ecological processes that shape biodiversity through space and time. The lab is highly productive and collaborative and employs a combination of lab, field, and big data approaches. The successful candidate will have opportunities to interact closely with a diverse group of scientists and collaborate on several ongoing projects. Though the lab is primarily plant-focused, our research often involves other groups of organisms as well.
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research using natural history collections, citizen science data, and on-the-ground and/or remotely-collected data to questions of invasion ecology, phenology, and biogeography in the context of global change. The ideal applicant would have strong quantitative skills. Responsibilities will include statistical analysis of large datasets, leading and collaborating on scientific manuscripts, assisting in proposal writing, and developing new research ideas. The lab is supportive of opportunities for professional development (e.g., conferences, workshops), and the postdoc will have the opportunity to develop and pursue their own research questions in conjunction with the general interests of the lab.
Essential qualifications include:
- A Ph.D. in ecology, evolution, systematics/biogeography, statistics, data science, or related fields at time of appointment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills (English).
- Experience with R and/or other programming languages (e.g., Python).
- Ability to conduct independent quantitative research, articulate scientific questions and findings, and publish in scientific journals.
The initial appointment will be at 100% time for one year with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and funding. The start date is flexible. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. We strive to provide a flexible, comfortable, inclusive environment for research and professional growth, and prospective postdocs from under-represented groups and minorities are encouraged to apply. Purdue has excellent resources for ecological research, including well-equipped field stations and core facilities for genomics, metabolomics, phenotyping, microscopy, and high-throughput computing. Purdue offers competitive benefits and the Lafayette/West Lafayette area is known for its low cost of living and high quality of life and is within an hour's drive of Indianapolis and two hours of Chicago. There is a vibrant community of ecologists at Purdue, spread across several departments, with many opportunities for collaboration outside the lab group. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
To apply, please submit the following to: danielpark [at] purdue [dot] edu.
- A cover letter highlighting relevant research interests, skills, and experience, and your preferred start date (1 – 2-pages).
- Recent CV with names/contact information of 2-3 professional references.
- Any other materials you wish to share that would help us evaluate your suitability.
[Ph.D. opportunities]
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology
- Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science Program (PULSe)