Postdoctoral Fellow

Submitted: 07/10/2026
Submitted By: Tiffiny Tung
Department: Anthropology
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Job type: Postdoc
Apply by: 07/23/2026
Application Email: t.tung@vanderbilt.edu
Application URL: N/A

Postdoctoral Research Fellow– Bioarchaeology & Stable Isotope Research Lab, Dept. of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University
Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Department: Department of Anthropology
Location: Nashville, TN
Start Date: Immediately, or by August 2026
Appointment Length: 2 years, with consideration for two year renewable

About the Position
The Bioarchaeology & Stable Isotope Research Lab (BSIRL) in the Department of Anthropology at Vanderbilt University seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support cutting-edge research investigating migration, diet, and human-animal relations in the ancient Americas. This position will focus on independently advancing research projects, including lab work, analyzing data, writing manuscripts, and mentoring students. The successful candidate will lead on the application of stable isotope analysis of human and faunal remains from sites in the Americas, especially Latin America and the Andes. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to develop and lead on their own stable isotope research projects, fostering scholarly independence and advancing their research program.

This position collaborates with faculty researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, community members, and external partners to reconstruct diet, mobility, and ecological relationships. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work within an interdisciplinary framework, maintaining active research partnerships with faculty in the Department of Anthropology, Department of Biological Sciences, and Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, while contributing to the development of new collaborations with internal and external researchers.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will conduct experiments and analyses on research proposals developed by the Principal Investigator, executing technical protocols for stable carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen isotope analyses. This is a technical position centered on rigorous sample preparation, data-driven interpretation, and innovative applications of isotopic methods to address anthropological questions. The person in this role must work well independently and be confident in leading day to day activities in the isotope lab, in managing the sample inventories, and in conducting the statistical analyses of the stable isotope data. The prepped samples are shipped to another laboratory for mass spec processing.

The position is also responsible for providing lab training to the next generation of researchers (undergraduate and graduate students), fostering a collaborative and inclusive laboratory environment and contributing to, and leading on, publications. This position reports to the Director of BSIRL, Tiffiny Tung, Professor of Anthropology.

Primary Responsibilities
Research & Technical Analysis
• Conduct meticulous sample preparation, data analysis, and data visualization for stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (and sulfur, on occasion) isotope studies of carbonates and collagen from human and faunal skeletal and dental elements.
• Execute analytical protocols and, as needed, develop innovative experimental approaches to address research questions on paleodiet and mobility
• Analyze and interpret isotopic data within archaeological and ecological contexts
• Assist in developing research strategies, analyzing data, and writing peer-reviewed publications.
Laboratory Management & Safety
• Ensure lab safety and compliance with chemical hygiene protocols, safety training protocols, and proper handling of hazardous materials and PPE
• Manage equipment maintenance and technical procedures; troubleshoot and document issues
• Oversee purchasing and inventory of lab supplies
• Maintain comprehensive laboratory records and documentation
Student Mentorship & Training
• Train graduate and undergraduate students in sample preparation techniques and stable isotope methodologies
• Supervise and mentor students in laboratory techniques, research design, and data interpretation
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment
• Provide guidance on best practices in sample handling
Collaboration & Outreach
• Collaborate with faculty in Anthropology, Biological Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences on interdisciplinary research initiatives
• Support the development and expansion of internal and external research partnerships
• Contribute to community outreach
• Participate in laboratory reporting and manuscript preparation
Required Qualifications
• PhD in biological anthropology, archaeology, geochemistry, or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in stable isotope sample preparation and analysis (carbonates and collagen)
• Experience training and working alongside students at the graduate or undergraduate level
• Strong knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and chemical hygiene
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written)
Preferred Qualifications
• Familiarity with carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope systems
• Background in paleodiet or paleoecology research
• Prior laboratory management experience
• Experience with Andean archaeology or ancient Americas research
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and manuscript preparation for publication

Application Instructions
Application Deadline: Will start reviewing files July 15 and continuing until the position is filled
To apply, please email the following materials to t.tung@vanderbilt.edu In the subject line, please add “BSIRL Post-doc at VU”
1. Cover Letter – Describe your qualifications, research interests, and interest in the position (1 page)
2. Current CV 
3. Writing sample (publication or dissertation chapter)
4. Contact Information for three professional references