Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Plant Evolution & Ecology

Job Summary

The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is seeking a Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the area of plant evolution and ecology. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work with Dr. Dena Grossenbacher in Biological Sciences. In addition, the Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow will help mentor undergraduate and graduate students and will have the opportunity to teach classes by separate assignment as a part-time lecturer. 

This position will begin Summer or Fall 2026 according to candidate’s availability. The term of employment is one-year, with a second-year possible based on performance and funding. The annual salary for this position is anticipated to be between $68,004, with full benefits, plus a travel allowance. This position is supplemented by separate assignment pay as a part-time lecturer for the teaching assignments.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to on-going studies in any of the following research areas: flower color evolution in Leptosiphon, alpine species distribution shifts in response to warming in the Sierra Nevada, or serpentine adaptation and phylogenetics in monkeyflowers.
• Propose and conduct research projects based on the laboratory’s overall interests in plant ecology and evolution.
• Propose and write manuscripts based on the conducted research.
• Work with mentors in developing research project goals, including writing manuscripts and grant applications.
• Participate in professional development activities, including attending national conferences.
• Directly supervise research staff, including undergraduate and graduate students.
• Receive mentorship and training in effective teaching practices and teach at least 1 undergraduate course during the fellowship under the mentorship of experienced faculty (paid by additional assignment as a part-time lecturer).

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in biology or a closely related field.
• Desire to learn new skills and work in teams including students, researchers, and faculty.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical software such as R.
• Experience with writing peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet timelines.
• Ability to lead others in managing tasks; train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others.
• Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to interface with all levels of staff, university community, including students, faculty and staff, and the public.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.

About the Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program

The Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program is designed to allow recent Ph.D. graduates gain valuable experience in both research and teaching. Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellows will have the time, space, and support to build an impactful line of research and gain experience in mentoring undergraduate students within research and teaching contexts. Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellows will be mentored by experienced faculty and have opportunities to engage in research and teaching in a vibrant, supportive scholarly community. Research Fellows will develop critical research skills as well as learn to mentor undergraduates and integrate research in undergraduate teaching. These experiences will be invaluable to postdoctoral candidates seeking to make progress toward research and teaching careers in academia. The program is part of a larger vision spurred by William and Linda Frost, whose $110 million commitment to the College of Science and Mathematics is supporting undergraduate research so that many more students will engage in meaningful research and have the same transformational experience of discovery Mr. Frost had as a student at Cal Poly.

The Frost Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a key component of a strategy to elevate our already highly-regarded undergraduate science teaching and research programs to further renown. The Frost Fund also supports equipment, facilities, scholarships, and student and faculty support for research.

About the University

Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only five comprehensive polytechnic u