Postdoctoral Associate

Classification Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description:

The Florida Museum of Natural History invites applications for a two year (24 months) Postdoctoral Scholar to join an NSF-funded research project. This collaborative project leverages high-resolution fossil records from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, and innovative AI workflows to investigate the impact of climate change on mammalian functional diversity. The research focuses on the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a period of intense global warming approximately 56 million years ago, providing a unique opportunity to test models of ecosystem resilience and functional diversity. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Morphotype and sort mammalian postcranial and dental fossil specimens.
• MicroCT scan fossil specimens for downstream analysis. 
• Develop and implement advanced AI models for analyzing fossil morphology using 3D data and machine learning techniques. 
• Participate in Broader Impacts activities during the field seasons, including mentorship of a Fieldwork Professional Development student alongside project PIs. 
• Oversee Florida Museum Undergraduate interns working on grant objectives, including vertebrate fossil curation, microCT scanning, AI workflow, and individual research projects.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.

Desired Start Date: May 1st, 2025; depending on availability. 

Duration: This position will be initially awarded for one year, and, contingent upon strong performance and conduct and availability of funds, may be renewed for up to one additional year.

Why Join Us: 

The Florida Museum offers a vibrant research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative community of scholars. As a Postdoctoral Scholar in this project, you will work at the forefront of paleontology and AI, contributing to cutting-edge research with significant implications for understanding the effects of climate change on biodiversity. 

The Postdoctoral Scholar will gain considerable professional experience with micro-CT data, the development of machine learning algorithms, and the application of functional diversity metrics to extinct mammalian faunas. These opportunities will strengthen the diversity and competitiveness of the Postdoctoral Scholar’s research portfolio while giving them opportunities from which to build independent research projects as part of their career development. The Postdoctoral Scholar will receive additional training in fieldwork, authorship of core research, and skill development from Drs. Bloch and Porto. They will each receive training in climate change communication during their first semester of grant participation via a short course dedicated to discussing how to frame this science to the public and participate in outreach efforts during summer fieldwork in the Bighorn Basin, including working with community members and mentoring the professional development student. 

To plan for achievement of their professional goals, the Postdoctoral Scholar will be asked to generate an individual development plan (IDP) at the start of their position, detailing their 1-year and 5-year professional goals. Subsequent meetings with Drs. Bloch and Porto will happen at the end of each semester to update the IDP and assess if the postdoc is on track to meet their long-term goals, gauge their satisfaction, and elicit suggestions for improving their mentorship. All project PIs will meet monthly with the Postdoctoral Scholar to assess project progress, troubleshoot challenges, and set new short-term goals. 

About the Labs: 

• Bloch Lab: Led by Dr. Jonathan Bloch, the Bloch Lab focuses on the evolution of mammals and other vertebrates, with particular attention to the relationship between climate change and biodiversity through deep time.
• BioVision Lab: Led by Dr. Arthur Porto, the Porto Lab specializes in applying AI and machine learning to study morphological evolution and functional diversity.

Expected Salary:

$60,000 – $65,000; commensurate with education and experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Paleontology, Biology, Anthropology, Geology, Computer Science, or a related field with strong expertise or interest in AI, machine learning, and 3D data analysis. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience with the field of vertebrate paleontology and curatorial procedures in a modern museum including virtual 3D collections. 
• Knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, with a specific emphasis on dental and postcranial anatomy of small mammals. 
• Proficiency in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar. 
• Familiarity with 3D software and tools such as 3D Slicer or similar.
• Knowledge of functional diversity metrics and their application in ecological or evolutionary studies. 
• Experience working with or supervising students in museum and field settings.
• Experience with collections-based anatomical research using vertebrate fossils.
• Experience in processing and analyzing volumetric image datasets, particularly in relation to skeletal morphology.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publications in relevant fields.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Interested candidates should upload the following documents: 

1. A cover letter describing research experience and interest in the position. 
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV). 
3. Contact information for three professional references. 
4. One representative publication or preprint. 

For further information, contact Dr. Jonathan Bloch at jbloch@flmnh.ufl.edu and Dr. Arthur Porto at arthur.porto@ufl.edu

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No