Postdoctoral Positions in Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Paleoclimate, and Plant Physiology

Postdoctoral Position in Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Paleoclimate, and Plant Physiology

The Tejada Lab (website) at the California Institute of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to co-lead a project investigating seasonal climate variability and nutrient allocation in modern and fossil trees from the Amazon rainforest. The project seeks to reconstruct seasonality and hydroclimate in the Pleistocene Amazon at high temporal resolution using exceptionally preserved fossil wood collected through our ongoing field programs in western Amazonia, together with modern comparative material.

The project is part of a broader research program in the Tejada Lab investigating the evolution and environmental history of the Amazon rainforest. The successful candidate will have opportunities to interact with complementary ongoing research in plant taxonomy and ecophysiology, stable isotope geochemistry, geochronology, paleoclimate, and Amazonian paleobiology.

The project sits at the intersection of plant physiology, paleoclimatology, biogeochemistry, and stable isotope geochemistry. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and collaborators within and outside Caltech, benefiting from a highly interdisciplinary research environment and access to state-of-the-art analytical facilities.

Appointment

This is a full-time postdoctoral appointment for two years. The annual salary is $76,000. The starting date is flexible, with a preference for the successful candidate to begin as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of experiments investigating seasonal variability and climatic signals recorded in modern and fossil wood.
• Develop high-resolution sampling strategies for modern and fossil tree specimens.
• Prepare and analyze wood and cellulose samples for stable isotope measurements.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot experimental and analytical protocols.
• Analyze and interpret stable isotope and related datasets in the context of plant physiology, seasonality, and Amazonian paleoclimate.
• Integrate results with complementary paleontological, geological, and environmental datasets generated through ongoing Amazon research.
• Prepare research reports and contribute to scientific manuscripts and conference presentations.
• Collaborate with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in related research.
• Contribute to the operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of relevant laboratory instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plant biology, geochemistry, paleoclimatology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in experimental laboratory research.
• Experience with one or more relevant approaches, such as cellulose extraction, high-resolution wood microsampling, stable isotope analysis.
• Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting experimental protocols.
• Experience with EA-IRMS and/or stable isotope analysis of plant materials is preferred but not required. Training in isotope methods can be provided.
• Experience with quantitative analysis and interpretation of climatic, physiological, or geochemical datasets.
• Ability and willingness to work across disciplinary boundaries and learn new experimental and analytical approaches.
• Strong record of scientific research and communication, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and substantive contributions to research projects.
• Strong interest in understanding how plant physiology and environmental variability are recorded in the chemical composition of plant tissues and how these records can be used to reconstruct past tropical climates.

Application materials

Applicants should submit:

1. A curriculum vitae.
2. A one-page cover letter describing relevant research experience, technical expertise, research interests, and interest in the position.
3. Up to three representative publications.
4. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications and questions should be addressed to Dr. Julia Tejada at [email protected]

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is committed to working with and providing access and reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical or mental disabilities. To request disability accommodations for any part of the interview or hiring process, please contact 626-395-6111 or [email protected] for assistance.