We are seeking a motivated scientist with a special interest in molecular ecology and/or evolution to join our research group.  The appointee will be expected to develop a productive, interdisciplinary, and externally funded research program with a central focus on problems best addressed through molecular methods. These may include - but are not restricted to – the following topics: functional evolution, molecular control over plant function, landscape genetics and population genetics.  Both Chinese Nationals and Foreign scientists may apply. 

Who are we? 

We are the Community Ecology & Conservation Group  (www.communityecologyconservation.com) at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG, www.xtbg.ac.cn), a research institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Our research lab has three core areas of research, which each lend themselves to developing questions of molecular ecology and functional evolution: (1) landscape fragmentation effects on forest biodiversity; (2) biogeography, ecology and evolution of spiny plants; (3) biogeography, ecology and conservation of Asian savannas. The appointee would be expected to work at least partly within some of these three areas to support specific research goals, but could additionally develop new directions. 

       Our location in Yunnan Province, southwest China, is ideally situated for testing questions in these three areas. In our immediate vicinity, local tropical forest has been massively reduced and fragmented as a consequence of conversion to rubber plantations, meaning that there are serious conservation questions regarding long-term viability of wild populations within these fragmented landscapes.  At the wider scale, Yunnan Province is a biodiversity hotspot characterised by huge topographical variation, lending itself to the study of population connectivity across larger landscapes, evolution of biomes and selection processes on plant function. 

We offer:  

1.        A fixed term appointment for 4 years, offered at associate or assistant professorial level (depending on experience and publication track-record).  

2.        Suitable lab resources including a basic genetics laboratory within the research group as well as access to start-of-the-art analysis facilities within the Institute.  The appointee will also receive a start-up package to support further equipment purchases. 

3.        Access to XTBG’s network of research sites across Yunnan province. 

4.        An exceptional living environment for studying ecology and biodiversity, friendly and enthusiastic staff and students conversant in English.   

Contact: 

For further questions about the research position, please contact Dr Kyle Tomlinson (kyle.tomlinson@xtbg.org.cn), Professor, Community Ecology and Conservation Group. For further enquiries about employment at XTBG, please contact Mr Chen Zhiyun (czy@xtbg.org.cn).