Post-Doctoral Researcher in Human Biology

Submitted: 03/04/2025
Submitted By: Jennifer Cullin
Department: Anthropology
Institution: Indiana University
Job type: Postdoc
Apply by: 04/30/2025
Application Email:
Application URL: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/28546

Job description: The Department of Anthropology (https://anthropology.indiana.edu/) at Indiana University invites applications for a two-year post-doctoral research position in Human Biology under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Cullin. The position will begin in fall 2025. The ideal candidate will have expertise in human biological variation (broadly defined), training in the field(s) of Biological Anthropology, Human Biology, and/or Biocultural Anthropology, and experience with grant writing and working in a lab setting. The successful applicant will contribute to the development of a research program in biological normalcy. Biological normalcy is framework within which the bidirectional relationships between cultural understandings of human biological variation and statistical distributions of biological traits in human populations are examined. It aims to elucidate how normative views and statistical norms interact and shape a population’s understanding of human variation as well as potential biological consequences (see https://doi.org/10.1093/emph/eoz035 and https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-anthro-052721-090632 for detailed descriptions of the framework). A Ph.D. is required at time of appointment. H1-B sponsorship is not available for this position.

Specific duties: The successful candidate will be able to lead and oversee research regarding some aspect of human biology using the biological normalcy framework, working with Dr. Jennifer Cullin. Prior experience using the biological normalcy framework is NOT a requirement for eligibility and is not expected; however, new research project(s) developed during the post-doc in collaboration with Dr. Jennifer Cullin will use this framework. Additional duties will include assistance with project design, grant writing, and lab set up.

Terms: This is a two-year, full-time position and is expected to start in fall 2025. This is not a remote position, it will be based at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The salary is $62,000 per year, and the position includes competitive full-time benefits. The expected start date is August 1, 2025.

Application instructions: Applicants should apply online (link). Application materials include a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and contact information for three letters of reference. The applicant should select a writing sample they feel represents their most important contribution to date. The cover letter (2-3 pages max) should outline how the position aligns with the applicant’s research program and career goals, the applicant’s interest in applying the biological normalcy framework to one or more aspect(s) of human biological variation, specify which aspect(s) of human biology are of interest, and detail the applicant’s experience in grant writing and lab work. Review of applications will begin May 1. Applications received by April 30 will be given full consideration; however, the search will remain open until the position is filled. Queries can be sent to Dr. Jennifer Cullin (jcullin@iu.edu).

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Link to apply: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/28546