Postdoctoral Fellow in Primate Behavior and Ecology

2-year Ross-Lynn Postdoctoral Fellowship in Primate Behavior and Ecology, Purdue University

Applications are now being accepted for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Primate Behavior and Ecology at Purdue University’s Department of Anthropology. The appointment will begin on January 5, 2024.

POSITION DESCRIPTION The Fellow will contribute to ongoing and new research projects in primate behavior and ecology under the supervision of Dr. Stacy Lindshield. Most of the full-time effort will be dedicated to advancing a longitudinal research program on savanna chimpanzees in Senegal and the collaborative HUNTRESS (HUnting, Nutrition, Tool-use, Reproductive Ecology, and meat Sharing in Savanna chimpanzees) project. The HUNTRESS team includes faculty members at Purdue, Texas State University at San Marcos, University of Utah, and Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Senegal. The Fellow will work closely with Dr. Lindshield to submit several external grant proposals, productively contribute to journal publications, and present their research at professional conferences. They will make substantial contributions to a high volume of upcoming publications and propose new projects where they would serve as lead author. The Fellow will allocate their full-time effort to the following activities: 1) data analysis and manuscript preparation for current projects (~50-60%), 2) external grant submissions for current and new projects (~30-40%), and 3) other professional development activities, such as presenting research at conferences, attending training and development workshops, and preparing for the academic job market (~10%). By the end of the two-year appointment, a successful Ross-Lynn Fellow will have added several publications, research presentations, and external grant submissions to their professional portfolio, and will have cultivated their unique research trajectory with supports from the Department of Anthropology at Purdue University.

QUALIFICATIONS The Ross-Lynn Postdoctoral Fellow is required to have a Ph.D. in Anthropology or a related field, and a research specialty in primatology or a similar area, such as animal behavior or wildlife ecology. Motivated candidates who have a strong track record of journal article publications, external funding, and experience in quantitative data analysis are especially encouraged to apply. Possessing the ability to write often and skillfully in English, and utilize strong organizational and time management skills flexibly are requirements of this position. Experience with statistical software packages such as R, geospatial software (e.g., ArcGIS), and proficiency in French oral and written communication are preferred. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, work well in teams, and nurture a diverse and inclusive professional environment. Candidates should have an ability to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship from Purdue University.

THE DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE, AND UNIVERSITY The Postdoctoral position is based at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. Purdue is a leading research institution, member of the AAU, and public serving university with an active, and collegial network of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in residence on our West Lafayette, IN campus. Anthropology Department members are active in publicly engaged scholarship and practice, and collaborate with interdisciplinary programs and centers, including the Purdue Institute for Sustainability, Advanced Methods at Purdue (AMAP), the Center for Research on Diversity and Inclusion, and many others. West Lafayette is an affordable, welcoming community with many opportunities for entertainment, dining, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

BENEFITS The Postdoctoral Fellow will receive a full-time salary of $60,000 per 12-month fiscal year and the position is renewable for a second year. The benefits eligible position includes access to office space, necessary research resources, and an allowance for travel funds to present at conferences.

APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates should submit a cover letter that describes their interest in the position and relevant skills, and their CV to the job application portal (https://careers.purdue.edu/job-invite/28282/) at Purdue University (https://careers.purdue.edu/go/West-Lafayette-Faculty/7721600/). Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Department of Anthropology are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry and academic freedom. Letters of reference are not required at the time of application submission. Applications are accepted from September 13-November 15 2023, or until the position is filled. Applications received after November 15th might not be reviewed. The short-listed candidates will be invited to arrange for two letters of reference to be sent and participate in a video-conference interview wherein the candidate will present their research portfolio and answer a set of standardized interview questions. A background check will be required for employment. Questions about the appointment or application process should be directed to Dr. Stacy Lindshield at slindshi@purdue.edu.

Purdue University is an EOE/Affirmative Action employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.