The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is inviting applications for a talented Post-Doctoral Fellow. This position is part of an innovative, NSF-funded project examining how past rapid climate change events—specifically the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM)—impacted mammalian functional diversity, utilizing cutting-edge AI workflows, micro-CT imaging, and field-collected fossil records from the Bighorn Basin in Wyoming.
Position Overview
| Position Title | Post-Doctoral Fellow (Position #00853511 / Requisition #41398) |
| Department | Cell and Developmental Biology |
| Institution | University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus |
| Research Focus | Vertebrate Paleontology, Mammalian Functional Diversity, Geospatial Modeling, 3D Micro-CT Analysis |
| Work Location | Aurora, Colorado (Onsite) |
| Salary Range | $63,900 – $64,380 per year |
| Review Date | Screening begins immediately; apply by October 31, 2026 for best consideration |
Research Area
The post-doctoral researcher will work on an interdisciplinary project combining paleontology, evolutionary biology, and computational methods. Specifically, the role investigates the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM)—an extreme global warming event that occurred approximately 56 million years ago—to assess mammalian ecosystem resilience and functional diversity. The project uses high-resolution fossil collections from Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin alongside AI-driven imaging and geospatial methodologies.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct independent and collaborative research, mentor students, and contribute to both lab and field-based paleontology efforts. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing, organizing, and curating vertebrate fossil field locality metadata.
- Conducting geospatial data modeling and spatial analysis to evaluate faunal and depositional trends across geological boundaries.
- Sorting, identifying, and morphotyping mammalian dental and postcranial fossil specimens.
- Segmenting, rendering, and analyzing micro-CT volumetric scans of fossil specimens.
- Operating 3D printers to fabricate segmented specimens for comparative anatomical research and public outreach.
- Actively participating in summer field seasons in the Bighorn Basin, including mentoring a Fieldwork Professional Development student.
- Undertaking independent research projects examining climate change effects on functional morphology and diversity.
- Drafting and submitting high-impact scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences.
Professional Development Opportunities
The University of Colorado Anschutz offers dedicated mentorship and professional development pathways tailored to academic and research career tracks, including:
- Pedagogical training through the Advanced Teaching Practicum to enhance university-level teaching skills.
- Formulation of a customized 1- and 5-year Individual Development Plan (IDP).
- Collaborative research and networking access through the nearby Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
- Leadership and mentorship training through direct field supervision.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. in Paleontology, Biology, Anthropology, Geology, or a closely related discipline (degree must be conferred by time of hire).
- Expertise: Demonstrated research experience or strong interest in geospatial data and spatial analysis.
- Collections Experience: Hands-on experience with museum- or collections-based anatomical research involving vertebrate fossils.
- Imaging: Practical experience processing and analyzing 3D/volumetric image datasets (e.g., micro-CT) related to skeletal morphology.
- Publications: Proven track record of scientific publication in relevant scholarly journals.
- Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship. CU Anschutz is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct field experience in vertebrate paleontology, fossil collection, and museum cataloging/accessioning procedures.
- Proficiency in spatial analysis tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or spatial packages in R or Python.
- Familiarity with digital 3D visualization tools such as 3D Slicer or equivalent segmentation software.
- Prior experience mentoring, supervising, or teaching undergraduate or graduate students in laboratory or field environments.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the University of Colorado recruitment portal (CU Careers). Interested candidates should prepare and upload the following application materials:
- Cover Letter / Letter of Interest: Outlining your research background, qualifications, and specific interest in this position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed and up to date.
- List of References: Contact information for five (5) professional references (including name, title, address, phone number, and email).
- Sample Publication: A representative publication, preprint, or manuscript sample.
For questions regarding the position, contact Jasmine Deol at jasmine.deol@cuanschutz.edu.
Last Date for Apply
Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, please submit your complete application by October 31, 2026.
Apply Link
To view the official job announcement and submit your application, please visit the official CU Careers portal:
Apply Online at CU Careers (Req #41398)
