We are seeking a motivated scientist to study the paleoecology of plant communities across Yunnan Province, China, using δ¹³C isotopic analysis and phytolith analysis to evaluate the historical changes to the proportion of C₃ and C₄ plants and C4 subtypes at several sample locations. This information is critical to understanding whether present-day C4-dominated communities reflect ancient C4-dominated landscapes that pre-date human landscape modification or are simply degraded communities that replaced forest after human expansion. In turn the conclusions reached from this study will have influence on conservation strategy within Yunnan Province. Specific experience with radiocarbon dating, δ¹³C isotopic analysis and phytolith analysis on soil cores will be considered advantageous for the position. Development of additional angles to the research can be discussed with the primary investigator (Dr Kyle Tomlinson, kyle.tomlinson@xtbg.org.cn).  

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. 

We offer:  

1.        A fixed term appointment for 2 years at postdoctoral level or 3 years at PhD level (subject to satisfactory progress) in a dynamic research group. An additional year may be negotiable subject to satisfactory progress. 

2.        Suitable lab resources as well as access to start-of-the-art analysis facilities within the Institute.   

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

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

Contact: 

For further questions about the research position, please contact Dr Kyle Tomlinson (kylewtomlinson@gmail.com), Professor, Community Ecology and Conservation Group.