Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

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.

Key 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

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

Why Join Us:

The Postdoctoral Scholar will have the opportunity to improve their breadth and knowledge as an instructor and have many opportunities to interface with methods for digitizing and 3D printing vertebrate anatomy. Your work will be at the forefront of paleontology, contributing to cutting-edge, AI-driven research with significant implications for understanding the effects of climate change on biodiversity. Scholars will have access to tailored professional development, including:

• Improving pedagogy and educational practices via the Advanced Teaching Practicum, a small group of faculty and students that meets weekly to train students to be more effective educators.
• Development of an individualized development plan for 1- and 5-year professional growth.
• Access to the nearby Denver Museum of Nature and Science to expand professional networks at a major center of paleontology research for the region.
• Mentorship of a professional development student during fieldwork.
• Community outreach efforts during summer fieldwork in the Bighorn Basin, WY.

Why work for the University?

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package. To see what benefits are available for Post-Doctoral Fellows, please visit:

· Payroll & Benefits Orientation for Post-Doctoral Fellows | University of Colorado (cu.edu)

· benefits guide cover-post-doc-2024 (cu.edu)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

4. A presentative publication or preprint

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Jasmine Deol, jasmine.deol@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 31, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as STARTING SALARY RANGE:

$63,900 - $64,380

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of poss