Postdoc: Plant Ecophysiology and Evolution
 
Description:
The Suissa lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the lab (https://www.botaneelab.com/). This 2-year, full-time position will focus on the hydraulics of seed-free plants, with an emphasis on mechanisms of drought tolerance.
 
The successful candidate will take a leading role in advancing research on vulnerability to drought-induced embolism and vascular architecture in seed-free plants. This work will integrate physiological and anatomical approaches to address fundamental questions in plant function and evolution. The fellow will be expected to drive projects toward publication, contribute to grant development, and actively engage with the broader EEB community.
 
Responsibilities and opportunities:
Lead research on vulnerability to embolism in seed-free plants
Conduct anatomical analyses on vascular structure.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Present research at national and international conferences.
Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
 
Qualifications:
PhD in plant physiology, ecophysiology, evolutionary biology, or related field.
Strong background in physiology, hydraulics, and anatomy.
Experience with estimating vulnerability to drought-induced embolism (preferred using the optical vulnerability method).
Proficient in statistical analyses and data visualization, using R or a related language.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
 
Position details:
Salary: ~$62,000, plus benefits.
Start date: ~August 2026.
Location: In person The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 
Benefits: Healthcare, 401k benefit plans.
Opportunities for outreach and science communication.
 
How to apply:
Submit your CV, a summary of research interests and experiences, and the contact information of three references to Jacob Suissa (jsuissa@utk.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer. The Suissa Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive, intellectually rigorous research environment grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

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