Job Listings

2-year Ross-Lynn Postdoctoral Fellowship in Human Behavioral Ecology, Evolution, and Data Science

Department: Anthropology
Institution: Purdue University
Job Type: Postdoc
Apply By: 15 October 2024

Applications are now being accepted for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Human Behavioral Ecology, Evolution, and Data Science at Purdue University’s Department of Anthropology. The position can begin as early as fall 2024, with the latest possible start date at the beginning of the spring 2025 semester.

Position Description
The Fellow will contribute to ongoing and new research projects in Human Behavioral Ecology and Evolution under the supervision of Dr. Erik Otárola-Castillo. Their full-time effort will be dedicated to actively formulating, analyzing, and testing scientific predictions. These activities will relate to the central goals of Otárola-Castillo’s laboratory research program on Paleoamerican Climate Change, Foraging Ecology, and Habitat Selection. This work consists of empirical methods (observational and controlled experiments) and theoretical modeling (mathematical, statistical, and computational).

The Fellow will work closely with Dr. Otárola-Castillo to submit several external grant proposals, contribute productively to journal publications, and present their research at professional conferences. They will contribute substantially to a high volume of upcoming publications and propose new projects where they will serve as the lead author. The Fellow will allocate their full-time effort to the following activities:

1. Data generation (field and lab-based observation and experimentation), data modeling and analysis, and manuscript preparation for current laboratory projects (approximately 50-60%).
2. External grant submissions for current and new laboratory projects (approximately 30-40%).
3. Other professional development activities include presenting research at conferences, attending training and development workshops, and preparing for the academic job market (approximately 10%).

Dr. Otárola-Castillo specializes in taphonomically oriented zooarchaeology and a wide range of advanced statistical and quantitative theoretical methods. These include mathematical and computational modeling, geometric morphometrics, multivariate and Bayesian statistics, spatiotemporal and spatial modeling (including GIS), causal inference, machine learning, AI, and statistical software development. A significant benefit of this position is the opportunity to learn and apply these innovative methodologies to various scientific research questions and contexts. While prior knowledge of these methods is advantageous, the position also offers mentorship and training for those eager to expand their methodological expertise and experience. This role provides a unique chance to develop skills under the guidance of an experienced professional, making it an excellent opportunity for professional growth.

By the end of the two-year appointment, a successful Ross-Lynn Fellow will have significantly advanced their career, adding several publications, research presentations, and external grant submissions to their professional portfolio. They will have cultivated their unique research trajectory with support from Dr. Otárola-Castillo and the Department of Anthropology at Purdue University, positioning themselves for further success in the field.

Qualifications

The Ross-Lynn Postdoctoral Fellow must have a Ph.D. in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field, such as Human Evolutionary Biology or Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. The candidate should have research specialties in Human Behavioral Ecology, Evolutionary Archaeology, quantitative methods, data science, or similar areas. Highly motivated candidates with a strong track record of journal article publications, external funding, and experience in quantitative data analysis are especially encouraged to apply.

The position requires writing productively and skillfully in English, along with strong organizational and flexible time management skills. Candidates should be highly motivated and able to work independently to complete projects while being collaborative and aligned with the laboratory’s research objectives. Experience with statistical computing languages such as R or Python is preferred. Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, work well in research teams, nurture a professional environment, and have a strong commitment to rigorous scientific hypothesis testing. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment where ideas are rigorously debated and will demonstrate resilience and openness to having their ideas critically examined and challenged.

Candidates should be able to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship from Purdue University.

The Department, College, and University

The in-residence Postdoctoral position is based at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus in Indiana. Purdue is a rapidly growing leading research institution, member of the AAU, and public serving university with an active and collegial network of faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in residence. Anthropology Department members are active in publicly engaged scholarship and practice and collaborate with interdisciplinary programs and centers, including the Purdue Institute for Sustainability and the Advanced Methods at Purdue (AMAP). West Lafayette is an affordable, welcoming community with many opportunities for entertainment, dining, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. 

Benefits

The Postdoctoral Fellow will receive a full-time salary of $60,000 per 12-month fiscal year plus fringe benefits. The position is renewable for a second year. This benefits-eligible position includes access to office space, necessary research resources, and a small allowance for travel funds to present at conferences. 

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position, highlighting their relevant skills, and discussing their potential contributions to fostering a climate that values scientific rigor. Applicants should include their curriculum vitae (CV) along with the cover letter. All materials should be submitted through the job application portal https://careers.purdue.edu/viewalljobs/ at Purdue University https://careers.purdue.edu/job/Ross-Lynn-Postdoctoral-Fellowship/33566-en_US/ .

Letters of reference are not required at the time of application submission. Applications are accepted from August 15 through October 15, 2024, or until the position is filled. Applications received after October 15 might not be reviewed. The short-listed candidates will be invited to arrange for three letters of reference to be sent and participate in a video conference interview wherein the candidate will present their research portfolio and answer a set of standardized interview questions. A background check will be required for employment. Questions about the application process may be directed to Brenda Gunion (gunion@purdue.edu). Questions about the appointment should be directed to Dr. Otárola-Castillo (eoc@purdue.edu).

Purdue University is an EOE/Affirmative Action employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, are encouraged to apply. 

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Baylor University

Department: Anthropology
Institution: Baylor University
Job Type: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor
Apply By: 1 October 2024

Application URL: http://apply.interfolio.com/147856

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Anthropology at Baylor University is accepting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor, with an emphasis on human health. We particularly welcome applicants with research interests in one or more of the following areas: global health, evolutionary medicine, human biology, health disparities/inequalities, medical anthropology, psychological anthropology/mental health, biomedical anthropology, biocultural anthropology, molecular anthropology, public health, environmental health, health of indigenous and pre-historic populations, and related subjects. Applicants whose research have transdisciplinary foci and applied relevance are preferred.

The Department of Anthropology is a welcoming community that values diversity and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the success of individuals from diverse backgrounds in our academic community through research, teaching, and service. We also accept the American Association of Biological Anthropologists' Code of Ethics, the American Anthropological Association’s Statement on Ethics, the Society for Applied Anthropology’s Statement of Ethics and Professional Responsibilities, and the American Association of University Professors' Sexual Harassment Policy. We pledge to respect each other, our students, and the people, animals, and places we study.

About Baylor University: 

Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is the oldest college in Texas. With a population of 21,000 diverse students, Baylor is one of the top universities in the nation, having been named an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification in January 2022. Baylor is also on the honor roll of the "Great Colleges to Work For" from The Chronicle of Higher Education; Baylor offers competitive salaries and benefits while allowing faculty and staff to live in one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. Our strategic plan, Illuminate, guides the University as we continue to live up to Baylor's mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Qualifications:

• An earned doctorate in Anthropology or related field by the time of appointment is required.
• Evidence of the potential to generate extramural funding commensurate with the applicant's career stage is required.
• An active research agenda as demonstrated by publishing and granting is preferred.
• Experience involving students in research as appropriate is preferred.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an externally-funded program of research and contribute to our doctoral program. The ideal candidate will contribute to the department, college, and university through teaching, research, and service. 

Application Instructions:

Complete applications must be submitted by 11 PM Central time on September 15, 2024. The following materials should be uploaded into Interfolio: 

1. cover letter explaining qualifications
2. current curriculum vitae
3. a research plan including current activities and future goals
4. a teaching statement including philosophy and experience
5. official or unofficial transcript of highest degree earned (or if PhD is in progress, a copy of transcript showing completed PhD hours) 
6. the contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for three potential references (referees will be contacted by the search committee separately).

Selected applicants will be contacted to complete a required, self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form. Finalists for the position will be required to submit official doctoral transcripts.

http://apply.interfolio.com/147856

To learn more about the above position, the Department of Anthropology, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Baylor University, please visit https://anthropology.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/. Please contact Dr. Michael Muehlenbein (Michael_muehlenbein@baylor.edu) with any questions.

Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor’s commitment to equal opportunity and respect of others does not undermine the validity and effect of the constitutional and statutory protections for its religious liberty, including, without limitation, the religious organization exemption under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the religious exemption to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, among others.  Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.