Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Field Museum of Natural History seeks a postdoctoral researcher to work with Dr. Caleb McMahan on an NSF-funded project to study evolution, ecology, and functional diversity of fishes in Lago Izabal/Golfete, Guatemala. The project is part of an NSF-funded grant through the Biodiversity on a Changing Planet program.

Coastal freshwater ecosystems are well-known for being biologically diverse and they provide important services to humans worldwide. With continued global warming, these coastal systems are at risk of undergoing dramatic environmental changes associated with rising seas. Future sea-level rise scenarios suggest either a gradual or a rapid upland migration of marine waters, yet the response of freshwater systems to these novel environmental conditions is unknown.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Dr. McMahan, as well as other co-PIs and graduate students, to study various aspects of this project. The postdoctoral researcher will be encouraged to work with Dr. McMahan to develop specific questions and hypotheses that fit the interests and skills of the researcher. Project areas of focus include studies of functional diversity, population history and connectivity, life history ecology, and use of eDNA to understand patterns of diversity.

The successful candidate will have a strong record of publication in relevant field(s), and must have a PhD in hand at the start of the appointment. In addition to research and fieldwork, the researcher will have access to the extensive collections and laboratory resources at the Field Museum of Natural History, as well as opportunities for educational outreach. Application materials should include a cover letter and CV.

Applications should be submitted online via the Field Museum's recruitment system. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Caleb McMahan (cmcmahan@fieldmuseum.org).

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.