Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biological Sciences

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Biological Sciences

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Biological Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National
Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of
Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of
Biological Sciences. As part of a vibrant academic community
dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this
role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a
university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive
growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on
campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to
grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located
in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along
with a robust online community that extends our reach even
further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State
offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively
live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions
rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a
vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of
a mission that transforms lives and makes a
difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information:

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a
$100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025.
Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this
fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your
employment, we recommend that you consult with your private
immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your
current immigration status would make a potential offer of
employment from Tarleton State University subject to this
fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a
moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the
Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the
future require sponsorship for employment visa status this
moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be
selected as the final candidate.

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The Postdoctoral Research Scholar contributes to research efforts
in quantitative ecology, meta-analysis, and statistics, with a
focus on the adaptation of native plants to global change drivers,
particularly invasive species. The scholar engages in large-scale
data synthesis projects and collaborates on field research. The
hosting laboratory investigates evolutionary and functional ecology
of plants from both basic and applied perspectives. Research
outcomes will enhance understanding of contemporary plant
adaptation in the context of global environmental change.

Appointment Details:

This is a full-time, in person, non-faculty research staff position
based on Tarleton’s main campus in Stephenville, Texas. Maximum
appointment is 17 months: an initial 12 months, renewable for 5
additional months, contingent upon mutual agreement, satisfactory
performance review, and continued funding availability. Standard
working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or as
required by project needs. The position also serves as a Campus
Security Authority (CSA).

Responsibilities:

• Conduct meta-analytical research on the position’s goals.
• Collaborate with Dr. Gianoli, or designee, in preparing grant

proposals.

• Assist Dr. Gianoli, or designee, and students of his team in

field research projects.

• Present research results in regional and national scientific

meetings or conferences.

• Establish collaborative links with other researchers on plant

ecology and evolution, both in the US and abroad.

Minimum Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• Conferred PhD in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Plant Sciences,

or related fields.

• Demonstrated experience with large-scale data synthesis

projects and publications.

• Proven ability to carry out original research independently,

from design to publication.

• Experience with statistical and modeling tools used in

meta-analytical studies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately by oral and

written means.

• Ability to lead data synthesis and field research

projects.

• A record of first authorship on peer-reviewed publications and

presentations.

• Outstanding proactivity, organization, and responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research grants awarded as PI.
• Student mentoring experience.
• Teaching experience as lecturer.
• Experience with diverse research and cultural settings.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary is $60,000 and may be negotiable
based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in
relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for
full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page
offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed
information visit our
Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed
application for consideration. Initial review of applications will
begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to
enter the requested information, upload documents, and Submit the
application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add
additional documents once the application materials have been
submitted via the "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include (required):

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing

qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 current professional references and their full

contact information

• Unofficial transcripts

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all
job application data entered. Failure to provide all job
application data could result in an invalid submission and a
rejected application. “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in
the job application. Incomplete applications will not be
considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and
continue until the position is filled.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a
criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon
the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other
information required by the institution’s procedures, including the
completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.