Career Opportunities with Field Museum

Careers At Field Museum

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Ctr
Location: Chicago, IL

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

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

How modern and past biodiversity originated and accumulated over time and space is one of the most active research areas in evolutionary ecology and biogeography. Island systems such as the Caribbean have been of particular interest because of their high species richness and endemism threatened by human activities. The study of the Caribbean biota was also fundamental in establishing the modern theoretical framework of island biography and how evolutionary processes like adaptative radiation unfold. However, the origin, evolution, and accumulation of this biota since the formation of the islands remain poorly understood.

This project aims to use a holistic approach to understand how biodiversity hotspots originate on islands using phylogenetic comparative methods across multiple vertebrate clades from the Caribbean combined with new paleontological data from Paleogene and Neogene. We seek PhD-level candidates demonstrating experience in the Caribbean biota, ancestral range reconstructions, competency with at least one scripting language (e.g. Python, R), and interest in applying new statistical approaches. Additionally, we are looking for candidates with experience in museum specimen curation and preparation, and experience with collecting fossils. The candidate will join an international team of evolutionary biologists and paleontologists. The selected candidate is expected to demonstrate leadership ability to assist the PIs with the guidance and training of students. We seek a candidate who is sensitive to and enthused to work with and train students from underrepresented groups in STEM.

The successful candidate will work with Assistant Curator of Mammals Anderson Feijó and MacArthur Curator of Paleomammalogy Ken Angielczyk. The candidate is expected to publish at least two research papers as lead author and to conduct research at the Field Museum. This is a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Please contact Anderson Feijó (afeijo@fieldmuseum.org) about any questions and apply online at https://www.fieldmuseum.org/about/careers. Complete application materials include a statement of interest, CV with publication list, and contact information of 3 professional references. Review of applications will begin on April 2nd, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Pay: $48,000

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

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 recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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