Postdoctoral Research Associate in Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard University


Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department_Area: Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Position Description: We seek a postdoctoral research associate to join the Laboratory for Invertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution to work on the early evolution of animals with emphasis on the diversity, development, and phylogeny of Paleozoic and/or extant groups. Our current research includes the study of exceptionally preserved Cambrian and Ordovician biotas, design of datasets to test phylogenetic hypotheses, tomographic visualization of the internal anatomy of fossil and extant invertebrates, and fieldwork on fossiliferous Paleozoic localities in North America (more information at https://ortega-hernandezlab.oeb.harvard.edu/). We invite applications from candidates whose interests align with ongoing work on the lab, and are open to discuss research proposals on any of these topics. In particular we currently seek an individual with experience in palynomorph extraction from organic rich shale, and with added expertise and knowledge on microfossil identification and systematics.

Basic Qualifications: Doctoral degree in Earth Sciences, Zoology, Evolutionary Biology or related disciplines. A track record of published research on any aspect of the evolution of invertebrate animals, preferably (but not exclusively) ecdysozoan phyla, is required. Hands-on experience in microfossil extraction and identification, as well as laboratory safety guidelines including handling of corrosive substances, are strongly desired.

Additional Qualifications: We seek a talented individual with demonstrable expertise - or a combination thereof - on analytical methods (e.g. phylogenetics, geometric morphometrics), advanced imaging (e.g. computed tomography, data visualization and reconstruction), wet lab techniques (e.g. comparative embryology, in situ hybridization), and/or field experience (e.g. paleontological fieldwork, collection of live animals). The ability to work independently and a strong initiative to collaborate with members of the research group are paramount. We encourage research proposals that take advantage of the scientific collections held at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University.

Special Instructions: Interested candidates should upload a cover letter (2 pages maximum), a brief statement (

Contact Information: Professor Javier Ortega-Hernandez

Contact Email: jortegahernandez@fas.harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 5


Supplemental Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

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