Postdoctoral Researcher We are currently seeking postdoctoral researchers in the Tropical Plant Diversification and Ex-Situ Conservation research group, which is closely affiliated with the Applied Research Center for Tropical Plant Conservation at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) in Yunnan, China. Both the research group and the conservation center are newly established multidisciplinary teams formed by merging several smaller research teams for the purpose of addressing major environmental and conservation issues in tropical China and more generally in Southeast Asia. Given the multidisciplinary nature of ongoing and anticipated projects, we are inviting applications from researchers with expertise and ambition in a number of different fields, including computer modeling of plant evolutionary dynamics, species distribution modeling and spatial analytics, biodiversity informatics, conservation technology, and conservation horticulture. All of these activities will have a forward-looking emphasis on providing relevant information to address pressing challenges in plant conservation, particularly in relation to ex-situ conservation strategies. The Tropical Plant Diversification and Ex-Situ Conservation research group is led by Drs. Charles Cannon and XING Yaowu (Director General of XTBG). Several senior scientists are involved in team and project leadership: Drs. YU Wenbin, LI Bo, and LI Shufeng. Overall, the group has deep expertise in biogeography, phylogenetics, genomics, systematics, floristics, and paleoecology and will focus on understanding both deep and Anthropocene plant diversification processes given genomic, landscape, and trait data for a number of target plant groups, including the Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, and others. The Applied Research Center for Tropical Plant Conservation will focus on translating this work in collaboration with horticultural and other research staff into ex-situ conservation strategies within and beyond XTBG’s living collections. The successful candidate will creatively interface with this multidisciplinary approach to strengthen and deepen the overall work given their expertise and insight. The position will be based at XTBG in Yunnan, China (see more detailed description below). The appointment is for two years. Details of the appointment can be found at https://www.xtbg.ac.cn/2022/tzgg/zp/202606/t20260616_8228919.html. You will be joining XTBG at an exciting and ambitious moment in its continued development and progress as a leading botanical research institution in the region and globally. Applicants should have: - A PhD in a field relevant to the above mentioned topics: if this is your first postdoctoral position, preferably received within the last 3 years. - Proficiency in the implementation of analytical software and large databases; - Experience with an advanced programming language, like R or python; - Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment; - For those applying to work on conservation horticulture, research experience in living plant collections is necessary; - At least one publication on a relevant research topic. Preferred additional qualifications - Familiarity with Southeast Asian biodiversity, including regionally important plant groups. - Prior experience working in one of the regional countries. Ability to communicate in one of the regional languages is a significant advantage. - Ability to work both in a lab environment and in typical tropical rainforest field research conditions. How to apply Interested applicants should send the following materials to Professor Charles Cannon at chuck@xtbg.ac.cn: 1 A CV; 2 A short statement, fewer than 500 words, explaining your skills and experience and how they can be used for tropical plant conservation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 31 July 2026 or the positions are filled. Details of the appointment can be found at https://www.xtbg.ac.cn/2022/tzgg/zp/202606/t20260616_8228919.html. Questions about the working conditions can be addressed to Ms. WEI Xingyu, Office of Human Resources . Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. About XTBG Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XTBG), founded in 1959, is located in the extreme southwest of Yunnan Province, near the borders of Myanmar and Laos. The rural setting provides ready access to diverse tropical forest and indigenous Dai culture. XTBG is one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia, spanning 1,125 hectares and housing over 13,000 plant species. It is a comprehensive research institution integrating scientific research, species preservation, and popularization of science education. The research staff is one of the most international in the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is also a major domestic Chinese tourist destination. XTBG is a significant base for tropical biodiversity and ecology research in Southeast Asia, with several active Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institutes and an increasing program of collaboration with experts and institutions in the region. It is currently advancing the development of the Xishuangbanna Tropical National Botanical Garden, with a special emphasis on the propagation and reintroduction of rare and endangered plants. XTBG is among the first four Chinese botanical gardens to achieve this significant recognition of excellence and commitment at the national level. 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