Prospective Postdoctoral Researchers

Thank you for your interest in joining the Dutton Lab at the University of Florida! I welcome inquiries from highly motivated postdoctoral researchers interested in ecosystem ecology, microbiomes, conservation biology, and related fields.

Research Focus Areas

Our lab pursues interdisciplinary research at the intersection of:

  • Ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry
  • Microbial ecology and metagenomics
  • Wildlife conservation and zoogeochemistry
  • Environmental DNA and molecular ecology
  • Water quality monitoring and aquatic ecosystems
  • Conservation genomics and community ecology

We conduct field work in Africa (Kenya, South Africa), Florida, and other ecosystems, combined with cutting-edge laboratory automation, nanopore sequencing, and bioinformatics approaches.

How to Contact Me

If you are interested in pursuing postdoctoral research in the Dutton Lab, please send me an email with the following information:

Send me an email with the following information…

Subject Line: “Prospective Postdoc - [Your Name]”

Please include:

  1. A brief cover letter (1 page) describing your research interests, career goals, and why you’re interested in our lab
  2. Your CV including publications
  3. Names and contact information for 2-3 references
  4. A brief description of a potential research project or area you’d like to pursue (1 paragraph)

I read all emails personally and will respond to inquiries that align with our lab’s research directions. Due to the volume of emails, I may not be able to respond to all inquiries, but I encourage you to apply for independent postdoctoral fellowships (see below). I’m happy to work with you on any of these opportunities.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Funding Opportunities

Securing independent funding strengthens your application and provides greater flexibility in pursuing your research interests. Johns Hopkins University frequently curates a list of postdoctoral opportunities that you can view here. Below are major fellowship programs well-suited to our research areas:

U.S.-Based Federal Fellowships

NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)

Deadline: Early November (annually)
Award: $90,000/year for 2-3 years ($70,000 stipend + $20,000 research allowance)
Eligibility: Recent PhD recipients (within eligibility window)

The NSF PRFB offers three competitive areas:

  • Broadening Participation of underrepresented groups in biology
  • Integrative Research investigating Rules of Life (genomes, environment, phenotypes)
  • Plant Genome postdoctoral fellowships

Website: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/prfb-postdoctoral-research-fellowships-biology

USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellowships

Deadline: Typically July (annually)
Award: Up to $225,000 total for 2 years (primarily salary + research expenses)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; PhD within 4 years

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development program supports postdoctoral training in AFRI priority areas relevant to agriculture, food systems, and natural resources.

Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/afri-education-workforce-development

Prestigious Conservation & Ecology Fellowships

David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship

Deadline: September 30 (annually)
Award: $72,100-$74,263/year salary for 2 years + $40,000 research/travel budget + benefits
Eligibility: PhD within 3 years; any nationality; U.S.-based research

The Smith Fellowship is one of the most prestigious programs for early-career conservation scientists. Fellows must propose innovative, applied conservation research addressing pressing challenges in the United States and its territories, working with both academic and practitioner mentors.

Website: https://www.smithfellows.org

John J. and Katherine C. Ewel Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Florida)

Deadline: Early January (annually)
Award: $70,000 stipend + $20,000 allowance for 2 years
Eligibility: PhD within 2 years prior to fellowship start

This UF-based fellowship supports tropical and subtropical ecology and environmental science research. Fellows conduct research with a UF faculty mentor in any subdiscipline of ecology or environmental science. This is an excellent opportunity for prospective postdocs specifically interested in joining our lab.

Website: https://postdoc.aa.ufl.edu/current-postdocs/programs/ewel-postdoctoral-fellowship/

Women in Science

L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship

Deadline: Mid-February (annually)
Award: $75,000 for 1 year
Eligibility: Women postdoctoral researchers in STEM fields

Five exceptional women scientists receive this prestigious fellowship annually. The program recognizes scientific excellence and supports postdoctoral research across life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, technology, computer science, and mathematics.

Website: https://www.aaas.org/programs/loreal-usa-women-science

International Fellowships

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA)

Deadline: Typically September (annually)
Award: Living allowance + mobility allowance + research costs (varies by country)
Eligibility: PhD holders; any nationality; max 8 years research experience

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers wishing to work in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Two types available:

  • European Fellowships: 1-2 years in Europe
  • Global Fellowships: 2-3 years (including return phase to Europe)

Website: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships

Fulbright Postdoctoral Awards

Deadline: Varies by country
Award: Country-specific stipend + travel + health insurance
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; PhD within 5 years

Fulbright Postdoctoral Awards provide opportunities for recently graduated scholars to conduct research and receive professional training abroad (3-10 months).

Website: https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards

Science Policy Fellowships

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship

Deadline: November 1 (annually)
Award: Competitive salary for 1-2 years
Eligibility: PhD or Master’s + 3 years experience; U.S. citizens

For those interested in applying scientific expertise to policy, AAAS fellowships place scientists in executive and legislative branches of the federal government. This is an excellent pathway for scientists interested in conservation policy, environmental regulation, or science diplomacy.

Website: https://www.aaaspolicyfellowships.org

Additional Resources

General Fellowship Databases

UF-Specific Resources

Tips for Successful Applications

  1. Start early: Most fellowship applications require 3-6 months of preparation
  2. Develop your research proposal collaboratively: Contact potential mentors (including me) early in the process
  3. Highlight broader impacts: Emphasize conservation applications, broader societal relevance, and training/mentorship goals
  4. Demonstrate innovation: Show how your proposed work goes beyond your PhD research
  5. Get feedback: Have multiple people review your application materials
  6. Apply broadly: Consider applying to multiple fellowships to maximize your chances

Why Join Our Lab?

  • Cutting-edge infrastructure: Opentrons robots, nanopore sequencing (MinION), digital PCR, qPCR, and more
  • International field sites: Ongoing research in Kenya (Mara River), South Africa, and Florida ecosystems
  • Collaborative environment: Strong partnerships with the Subalusky Lab, the Mulligan Lab, the Moore Lab, the McCleery Lab, National Museums of Kenya, and conservation organizations
  • Interdisciplinary training: Opportunities to develop skills in molecular ecology, bioinformatics, field ecology, and lab automation
  • Location: University of Florida offers excellent research facilities, tropical/subtropical field sites, and a vibrant ecology community

Last updated: January 2026