Postdoctoral Researcher in Functional Morphology and Biomechanics
Job Description
The Garner Organismal Attachment Lab (GOAL) in the Department of Biology and BioInspired Institute at Syracuse University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to examine questions related to the functional morphology and biomechanics of animal attachment. The candidate will be expected to lead and implement research projects studying the connections between form, function, and environment in the attachment systems of lizards (geckos and anoles) and/or sea urchins, with the overarching goal of informing and improving the bio-inspired design of synthetic attachment devices.
The position will be based at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY under the supervision of Professor Austin M. Garner, with potential opportunities for fieldwork contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension pending satisfactory performance and external funding.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
If you have questions about the position, please contact Professor Austin M. Garner (agarner@syr.edu). More information on the lab can be found at: https://agarner.expressions.syr.edu.
Salary Range
$55,000-$65,000
Required Qualifications
- Completed a Ph.D. in Biology, Functional Morphology, Biomechanics, or related field at the time of application or a statement from current supervisor attesting expected graduation date before July 1, 2024.
- Expertise with data analysis using R or a similar statistical program.
- Well-developed scientific writing skills and solid track record of peer-reviewed publishing.
- Excellent time management, communication, and troubleshooting skills.
- Good written and oral English language skills.
- Interest and/or experience in integrative and interdisciplinary research.
Job Specific Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications above, candidates with the following desired qualifications are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Experience with programming in Python, Matlab, or R.
- Experience in the design, construction, and use of custom-built experimental devices to measure animal performance.
- Experience in morphological and imaging techniques such as dissection, photography, light microscopy, histology, electron microscopy, x-ray imaging, or micro-computed tomography.
- Expertise in geometric morphometric and comparative phylogenetic methods.
- Experience in high-speed videography and kinematic/biomechanical analysis using DLTdv8, DeepLabCut, or similar programs.
- Willingness to travel for field research.
- Previous experience mentoring undergraduate students in scientific research.
Responsibilities
- Design, coordinate, and conduct experiments investigating the interactions between form, function, and environment in animal attachment systems.
- Analyze and write up results for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- In addition, the Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to be an active part of the Garner Organismal Attachment Lab and will have the opportunity to be involved in graduate and undergraduate student research mentoring.
Application Instructions
- A brief cover letter
- 1 page statement of research interests and professional goals
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three references. References will only be contacted for candidates selected for an interview.
