Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

1d • $63,900 - $64,380 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Colorado Department of Cell & Developmental Biology invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join an NSF-funded research project. This collaborative project leverages high-resolution fossil records from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, and innovative AI workflows to investigate the impact of climate change on mammalian functional diversity. The research focuses on the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a period of intense global warming approximately 56 million years ago, providing a unique opportunity to test models of ecosystem resilience and functional diversity.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Paleontology, Biology, Anthropology, Geology, or a related field with strong expertise/interest in geospatial data and analysis
• Experience with collections-based anatomical research using vertebrate fossils
• Experience in processing and analyzing volumetric image datasets, particularly in relation to skeletal morphology
• Track record of publications in relevant fields.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, with a specific emphasis on dental and postcranial anatomy of small mammals
• Knowledge of functional diversity metrics and their application in ecological or evolutionary studies
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship and employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the field of vertebrate paleontology, including field collecting and museum accessioning procedures
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, QGIS, Python and/or R geospatial packages, or similar geospatial software
• Familiarity with 3D software and tools such as 3D Slicer or similar
• Experience working with or supervising students in museum and field settings

Responsibilities

• Management and updating of vertebrate fossil field locality metadata
• Geospatial data modeling and analysis to assess depositional and faunal trends
• Morphotype and sort mammalian postcranial and dental specimens
• Segmentation and analysis of micro-CT data of fossil specimens
• 3D printing of segmented fossil specimens for comparative and outreach purposes
• Participating in Broader Impacts activities during the field seasons, including mentorship of a Fieldwork Professional Development student
• Conducting independent research on the effects of climate change on mammalian functional diversity
• Preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Generous leave
• Health plans
• Retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree