Postdoctoral Researcher

Job description: A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the Lydy lab at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL, USA). The successful candidate will work on several projects including determining the impacts of pesticide exposure on predator prey relationships for salmon and striped bass, incorporation of contaminants into salmon life cycle models, and conducting field-lab research identifying pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways. The postdoc will be an important member of our ecotoxicology team, which is made up of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists. The successful candidates will ideally have a background in either environmental toxicology, ecology or analytical chemistry. The aquatic toxicology lab (www.aquatictox.siu.edu) at SIU houses a well-equipped analytical chemistry lab, as well as a large modern aquatics facility. Carbondale is in a scenic portion of the state, and is near several state parks and national refuges, including the Shawnee National Forest.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field
• Experience working with predatory prey interactions and life cycle models
• Experience working with tracking fish data and use of tracking software
• Demonstrated record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing scientific manuscripts
• Proficiency programming or coding in R, Python, or other software packages·
• Strong organizational and data management skills
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the USGS Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
• Experience with pesticide analyses quantification using GC-MS.

Salary: Commensurate with experience (100% time) and includes a benefit package.

Effective Date of Employment: Applications are being accepted immediately with the position starting in Fall 2026. The position is expected to continue for two years; continuation is contingent upon availability of future grant funding.

Application deadline: September 15, 2026, or until filled.

Application Procedure: Send letter of intent describing research interest and goals (including specific experience conducting predatory prey studies) and a resume to: Dr. Michael Lydy, Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have hands-on analytical experience?

Education:

• Doctorate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Laboratory Experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person