Sexual Selections Influence

The Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, announced that a postdoctoral fellowship is being offering the opportunity to work on a project in cooperation with Dr. Gene Hunt in the Department of Paleobiology. This project will include the study of the fossil record of Ostracodes, combining morphometric measurement of sexual dimorphism in the fossils and the analysis of stratigraphic ranges of taxa. All of the testing will determine if sexual selection modulates speciation and extinction rates in these taxa. The initial appointment is for 12 months; however, further support is possible depending on the outcome of additional fund-raising. Stipend will be $45,000 plus a $4,000 allowance for health insurance. Review of applications will begin February 3, 2014 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants, of any nationality, should send a cover letter with a brief statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. All materials and further questions should be sent to Gene Hunt hunte@si.edu.

Requirements:

• Applicants must have attained a Ph.D.
• Able to start the position by August 2o:

Expertise’s (ideal, not required):

• good quantitative skills
• background in micro- and macroevolution
• experience with microfossils (especially ostracodes)
• field paleontology

Note: We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in paleontology, evolutionary biology, or other related fields.

Duties Involved:

• morphometric data collection and analysis
• fieldwork in the US Coastal Plain
• analysis of stratigraphic ranges
• coordination of research efforts with external collaborators.