The Neuman-Lee Lab at Arkansas State University (A-State), in partnership with Dr. Sinlan (Sheila) Poo of Memphis Zoo, is seeking a motivated, organized, and independent Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on an Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS) funded project. The funded work links nine zoological organizations in the United States to build a collaborative network to develop an interactive database focused on reptilian immunology. Leveraging the existing diversity of living reptilian collections, the funded project will connect zookeepers, veterinary staff, and researchers together to establish basic immunological parameters across reptilian taxa.
The Fellow will be responsible for:
- Working closely with zoo staff from various departments and backgrounds to create a positive, collaborative, and productive cross-agency partnership
- Analyzing samples using a variety of techniques, such as microbiocidal assays, qPCR, and flow cytometry
- Leading the development of an immunological database
- Mentoring, nurturing, and developing research capacity of graduate students and undergraduate students working on this project
- Training and building up research capacity in zoo staff (including keepers, curators, animal health staff, researchers, educators, etc.) across the collaborating institutions.
- Effectively communicating science through formal publications and scientific presentations
- Engaging in science communication with the public
- Fostering a positive, collaborative, safe, and encouraging professional environment
Start date: Preferred April 2026, but start date is flexible.
Support: The salary is $50,000/year plus benefits for up to 2½ years. Funding is available for travel to conferences and other professional development opportunities.
Qualifications: Applicants should have a PhD in biology or related field. Competitive applicants will have experience with a programming language (e.g. R), strong evidence of leading teams, record of publications and grants, and basic molecular lab skills.
Application: To apply, please submit the following materials: 1) a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in the position, 2) CV, 3) contact information for at least two professional references. Application review will begin on January 15, 2026.
**Dr. Neuman-Lee will be at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) conference in January and would love to chat about this opportunity!**
Please send any questions about the position to Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee at lneumanlee@astate.edu.
