Post-doc in Evolutionary Biomechanics

OVERVIEW OF POSITION
A postdoctoral position is available in the Moen lab in the department of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University. The position will be part of a team working on a recently funded NSF CAREER grant. The grant bridges integrative research on macroevolution and biomechanics with educational and outreach activities closely aligned with the project’s research methods and aims.

The project’s key goal is to understand how swimming mechanics affect macroevolution of morphology and performance in frogs and toads. The research will integrate local fieldwork, experimental work with live animals, computational modeling, and phylogenetic comparative biology. Some of this work will be done in collaboration with Chris Richards (Royal Veterinary Academy, UK). The post-doc will also have the opportunity to design and work on related but original projects.

The post-doc will also contribute toward the grant’s educational and outreach goals. This includes being the primary mentor for secondary-education science teachers in a summer research program. This program includes visiting Dr. Richards’s lab near London. The post-doc will also help coordinate workshops on phylogenetic comparative methods, held every other year.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED SKILLS
A Ph.D. in any related field – including biology, engineering, and computer science – is required prior to starting the position. Strong applicants will have experience in one or more of the following research areas: biomechanics, functional morphology, computational modeling, and phylogenetic comparative biology. Skills in Matlab, Mathematica, and especially R are helpful but not required. More than specific experience and skills, I am seeking highly motivated applicants with a desire to work both independently and as part of a team. In the Moen lab we strongly value a diverse and inclusive environment, so I particularly encourage applicants that can contribute to that goal.

APPLICATION AND POSITION DETAILS
Start date: The position is available immediately, though start date is flexible. Arrival date to OSU may also be flexible given the current COVID pandemic. Initial projects can focus on data analysis and modeling and started from afar. However, mentorship and live-animal work will need to be done at OSU once it is feasible to move here.

Duration: Initial appointment is for one year with opportunity for renewal of up to three years given satisfactory progress and availability of funding.

Application deadline: Review of applications will begin on 15 September, though the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

How: Applications must include:
(1) A cover letter describing experience and goals for the position
(2) A full CV
(3) The names and contact information (phone numbers, email addresses) of three references.

Please submit applications directly to me (email: ) as a single PDF and with the subject line “Post-doc application: Your name”. All questions about the position and applying to it can also be directed to me.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu.