Submitted: 08/27/2025
Submitted By: Gabrielle A. Russo
Department: Turkana Basin Institute
Institution: Stony Brook University
Job type: Postdoc
Apply by: 10/15/2025
Application Email:
Application URL: https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=2502527&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

The Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) founded by Dr. Richard Leakey at Stony Brook University is pleased to announce a postdoctoral opportunity. The Meave Leakey Postdoctoral Scholar, named in honor of Dr. Meave Leakey’s extraordinary contributions to the understanding of human and primate evolution in the Turkana Basin, will join the SHaPE (Studies in Human and Primate Evolution) Lab in the Department of Anthropology. This collaborative research group is dedicated to advancing integrative scholarship on the evolutionary history of cercopithecoids, apes, and humans. The position is for one year, with the possibility of an extension.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in biological anthropology, anatomy, vertebrate paleontology, evolutionary biology, or a related field, awarded by the start date.
Demonstrated record of research excellence and potential for scholarly development.
Strong interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research in the Turkana Basin.
Preferred Qualifications:

A record of peer-reviewed publications.
Expertise in the use of 3D imaging programs (e.g., Dragonfly, Avizo, or VG Studio).
Competency with statistical software (e.g., R).
Position Description
We seek a highly motivated scholar whose research focuses on evolutionary questions grounded in the Turkana Basin. Areas of interest may include (but are not limited to): hominin, ape and cercopithecoid evolution, vertebrate paleontology, functional morphology, ontogeny, taxonomy and/or phylogenetics. The successful candidate will work closely with SHaPE Lab faculty (Mongle, Russo, Rossie, Grine) and other TBI researchers to pursue independent research and contribute to ongoing projects, with facilitated access to world-class fossil collections, field work, and analytical resources.

DUTIES:

Carry out research in field of specialization in the SHaPE Lab at Stony Brook University under the supervision of lab faculty (Mongle, Russo, Rossie, Grine) to contribute to ongoing lab research projects in the Turkana Basin.
Manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals, lab presentations, conference and seminar attendance and presentation.
Lab management, oversight/supervision of graduate and undergraduate research, providing training in various research methods.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.
How to Apply:

In addition to submitting the online application, candidates should provide a CV, a list of 3 academic references, and a 1-2 page cover letter briefly describing relevant qualifications, career goals, and research interests. Applications will be reviewed beginning October 15th 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. The start date is flexible but anticipated to be January 2026.

Special Notes:
This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Visit The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs to learn more about our postdoctoral community.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.