Postdoctoral Researcher - 24339BR

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: 
Biodiversity Institute
Location/Division: 
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Work Location Assignment: 
On-Site
Reg/Temp: 
Regular
Employee Class: 
U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Position Overview

The Biodiversity Institute (BI) at the University of Kansas invites applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher. The postdoc will conduct ecological niche modeling (ENM) analyses focused on Neogene and modern marine mollusks from the Western Atlantic region as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to PI Bruce S. Lieberman (BSL), co-PI Erin Saupe (EES), and colleagues. These analyses will emphasize statistical and computational approaches to studying how past climate changes have influenced patterns of extinction observed in the fossil record, and making predictions about how future climate changes will affect extant species. The postdoc will consider patterns of distribution and extinction in relation to past and future climate, and compare and contrasts results obtained from ENM with results obtained from analyses of molluskan functional traits. The postdoc will successfully work and interact with BSL, EES, division staff and students, as well as other participants on the NSF grant.

As a premier biodiversity research center and museum, the KU Biodiversity Institute (BI) is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive environment that nurtures the growth and development of all. The BI believes that a diversity of values, interests, experiences, and intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and our workplace. As such, the BI actively seeks applications from members of groups underrepresented in higher education.

The position consists of a 2-yr appointment with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and funding availability. This position is located on-site at the Lawrence campus. U.S. work authorization is required prior to candidate's start date.

Job Description

70% - Research
Conduct ecological niche modeling analyses on Neogene and modern mollusks from the West Atlantic by focusing on
  • Compiling distributional data on species in space and time.
  • Assembling and utilizing appropriate climate models.
  • Applying appropriate ENM approaches.
  • Comparing and contrasting results obtained from ENM with results obtained by other project participants considering molluskan functional traits and physiology.

20% - Reporting
Publish papers and present talks describing the results of work
  • Write and submit papers to high profile journals describing the results from research.
  • Attend at least one national or international meeting each year to present the results of research discoveries.

5% - Public service
  • Participate in public outreach events associated with the NSF award.

5% - Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Required Qualifications

  1. Ph.D. in paleontology, geology, or biology from an accredited university.
  2. Demonstrated experience programming in R, as evident on application materials.
  3. Previous work or educational experience with statistical applications and analyses as applied to evolutionary research and/or ecological or paleoecological research.
  4. Previous work or educational experience working with ecological or paleoecological datasets.
  5. Demonstrated publication record, as evident on application materials.
  6. Demonstrated record of giving talks at major scientific meetings, as evident on application materials.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed six months

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Experience working with modern or fossil marine invertebrates.
  2. Experience working with spatial datasets.

Additional Candidate Instructions

Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered. A complete application includes online application form, resume, cover letter, names and contact information for three professional references.

Application review will being on April 3, 2023 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants have been identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Bruce S. Lieberman, blieber@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$48,996

Work Schedule

40 hours per week

Application Review Begins

03-Apr-2023

Anticipated Start Date

31-Jul-2023

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Posting Information
Posting ID:
24339BR
Department:
Biodiversity Institute
Primary Campus:
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Work Location Assignment:
On-Site
Reg/Temp:
Regular
Employee Class:
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Application Review Begins:
03-Apr-2023