Two Postdoctoral Positions in the Sensory Morphology and Genomic Anthropology Lab at Boston University

The Sensory Morphology and Genomic Anthropology Lab (SMGAL) on the Charles River Campus of Boston University (Boston, MA) is seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates with an anticipated start date in spring of 2018. The full-time, benefits-eligible positions are renewable on an annual basis, contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of resources, and the needs of the lab. Applicants must be within five years of receipt of their Ph.D. to be considered for initial appointment. In collaboration with PIs Professors Christopher A. Schmitt (http://www.evopropinquitous.net) and Eva C. Garrett (http://www.ecgarrett.com/), the successful applicants will supervise lab operations conducting genomic and epigenomic library prep, phenotype collection and preparation from both captive and wild nonhuman primate populations/datasets, and bioinformatic analyses.

Successful applicants will be able to propose, develop, and execute a collaborative research project that will enhance the scholarly impact of data and samples collected as part either professors’ research programs.

The position in Dr. Schmitt’s lab will collect and analyze data as part of the Vervet Phenome/Genome Project in collaboration with the International Vervet Research Consortium. Potential research projects in the Schmitt Lab focus on the evolution of obesity, growth and development using genomic and epigenomic methods with vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus spp.) as a model system. Projects may involve active research using both captive (at Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Vervet Research Colony) and/or wild populations (at a number of field sites in South Africa; data collected from throughout the pan-African and Caribbean range of Chlorocebus).

The position in Dr. Garrett’s lab will collect and analyze data as a part of a larger project to understand primate olfaction using cross-disciplinary methods. Potential projects include analysis of scent-glad and scent-mark data, and combining these data with morphology, genomics, and navigation behavior.

The Postdoctoral Research Associates will be expected to publish the results of their research in scholarly venues and to assist in developing public presentations of the research outcomes. Additional duties will include supervising less senior research staff or interns, attending conferences and seminars, and other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in anthropology or a related field by the time of appointment, a strong publication record, and a background in biological anthropology, biology, or genomics/bioinformatics. Excellent inter-personal skills and cooperative/collaborative interests are required. Prior field experience with nonhuman primates is required for field-based projects. Prior experience with bioinformatics and/or molecular genetic techniques is preferred.

In addition to a cover letter outlining reasons for their scientific interest in the position and career goals, applicants must submit a brief proposal that describes a collaborative research project that will make a substantial contribution to scholarship. The proposal should identify specific research objectives, contextualized within the broader research objectives of the lab to which they are applying.

To apply, submit the following in a single pdf to either Christopher A. Schmitt, Ph.D. at caschmit@bu.edu or Eva C. Garrett, Ph.D. at garrette@bu.edu with the subject ‘SMGAL Postdoc Application’: (1) a cover letter outlining qualifications, (2) a 2-3 page statement outlining proposed research, as specified above, (3) a current curriculum vitae including technical skills and field experience, and (4) the names and contact information (including email addresses) for three references.

Initial deadline for complete applications is February 15, 2018. If not filled, review of complete applications will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

The fiscal year (12-month) salary for these positions is $47,500 with competitive benefits through BU including health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. The Postdoctoral Research Associate must be in residence in the Boston metropolitan area during the appointment unless conducting field research or off-site trainings associated with the lab.

For more information about being a postdoctoral scholar at BU, consult BU Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs: http://www.bu.edu/research/information-for/professional-development-postdoctoral-affairs/resources/

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.