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The Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship sponsored by the Edward O. and Irene K. Wilson Endowed Fund for Biological Research and Education. The endowment provides fellowships for postdoctoral scholars in taxonomy, museum collections, curation, and the science of natural history. Fellows will work under the supervision of one or more Biological Sciences faculty conducting relevant research (https://bsc.ua.edu/directory/).

Qualifications
A Ph.D. with relevant research experience in taxonomy and/or systematics, museum collections, curation, and/or the science of natural history is required. All formal requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed before the start of the fellowship, though degree receipt may be forthcoming. The position is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. The University of Alabama will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by the selection committee based on a strong academic record in taxonomic, systematic, and/or natural history research, as well as demonstrated experience working in natural history collections. Competitive applicants will present a fully developed research proposal with clearly defined outcomes and anticipated products that incorporate museum collections and associated curation of specimens. Proposals that leverage an integrative approach combining traditional morphological methods with modern molecular or imaging techniques are especially encouraged. Preference will also be given to projects with a high likelihood of resulting in the discovery and formal taxonomic description of new species, and/or the characterization of intraspecific diversity, biogeography, or other natural history components of species supported by collections. Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate effective collaboration with academics, scientists, and students. Exhibit outstanding capabilities in personal responsibility, taking initiative, problem solving, and communication proficiency.

 Application Requirements
A complete application includes (1) a one-page cover letter that describes how the applicant’s past experiences will contribute to the execution and success of the proposed project and how the project promotes collections-based science at The University of Alabama; (2) a research proposal, limited to four single-spaced pages, that outlines the scope and research questions, describes the approach and methods, explains how existing UA collections will be used and expanded with new specimens, details research infrastructure and consumable needs, identifies proposed UA faculty sponsor(s), and lists likely products, including publications, to be completed during the first year of the fellowship; (3) a one-page research budget that itemizes anticipated research and travel costs, not to exceed $10,000 per year; (4) a curriculum vitae limited to two pages; (5) a list of up to five pertinent publications associated with the proposed research; and (6) a letter of recommendation from an external reviewer and a letter from the sponsoring UA faculty member(s). The letter from UA faculty sponsor(s) should address the candidate’s ability to successfully conduct the proposed research, the suitability of the faculty mentor(s) to supervise project, and anticipated mentoring and training outcomes for the candidate. Letters should be emailed separately to the chair of the selection committee and are due within one week of the application deadline. An application is considered complete when all materials, including both letters, have been received.

To apply, go to http://careers.ua.edu/cw/en-us/job/529577, complete the online application, and upload all required documents. Questions about the position may be addressed to Dr. Phillip Harris (pharris@ua.edu). Review of applications will begin 15 July 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For more information about the department, visit http://bsc.ua.edu. Prior to hiring, the final candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment background investigation. The start date is negotiable with sponsoring faculty member.

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