Discover an exciting opportunity to advance your career in evolutionary biology with a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Michigan’s Lopez-Fernandez Lab, focusing on the fascinating world of living and fossil cichlid fishes.

The University of Michigan’s Lopez-Fernandez Lab is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to engage in morphological and phylogenetic analyses of living and fossil cichlid fishes.
OPPORTUNITY AT A GLANCE:
Details | Description |
---|---|
Institution | University of Michigan |
Research Lab | Lopez-Fernandez Lab |
Field of Study | Morphological and phylogenetic analyses of living and fossil cichlid fishes |
Eligibility Criteria | – PhD in evolutionary biology, zoology, paleontology, or a related field – Strong skills in quantitative phylogenetic methods, vertebrate morphology, and data management – Experience with anatomical study of museum specimens and CT scans highly desirable – Proficiency in phylogenetic software and R or a comparable programming language – Demonstrated success in publishing original research – Previous experience with fossils or fishes desired |
Responsibilities | – Expand morphological character matrices – Code living and fossil cichlids from micro CT reconstructions and museum specimens – Perform phylogenetic dating analyses – Present research findings at scientific meetings – Prepare manuscripts for publication – Work with a technician on data curation – Mentor undergraduate or graduate students – Participate in the Broader Impacts initiative and outreach activities |
Application Documents | – Cover letter (2 pages max) outlining interest in the position and relevant skills – CV – Contact information for three references |
Application Contact | Hernan Lopez-Fernandez at [email protected] with the subject line ”Application: Lopez-Fernandez NSF-Cichlids project” |
Application Deadline | Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until August 1, 2024 |
Additional Information | Informal inquiries are welcome before applying |
Fact About University of Michigan and its Lopez-Fernandez Lab
- Pioneering Evolutionary Research: The University of Michigan is renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to evolutionary biology, with the Lopez-Fernandez Lab at the forefront of studying cichlid fishes—a group known for their remarkable diversity and evolutionary significance.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Researchers at the Lopez-Fernandez Lab have access to cutting-edge technology, including advanced micro CT scanners and comprehensive museum specimen collections, providing unparalleled opportunities for detailed morphological and phylogenetic analyses.
- Global Research Impact: The University of Michigan consistently ranks among the top research universities globally. Its extensive collaborations and high-impact publications contribute to significant advancements in evolutionary biology and related fields.
- Interdisciplinary Excellence: The Lopez-Fernandez Lab exemplifies the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research, blending expertise in zoology, paleontology, and computational biology to tackle complex scientific questions about the evolutionary history of cichlid fishes.
- Rich Academic Heritage: The University of Michigan, established in 1817, boasts a long and distinguished history of academic excellence, producing numerous Nobel laureates, Fields medalists, and other distinguished scholars who have shaped modern science and research.
- Mentorship and Development: Postdoctoral fellows in the Lopez-Fernandez Lab benefit from robust mentorship and professional development opportunities, including guidance in publishing research, presenting at international conferences, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
- Broader Impacts Initiative: Engaging in the university’s Broader Impacts initiative allows fellows to participate in diverse outreach activities, making significant contributions to science education and public understanding of evolutionary biology.
- Dynamic Research Environment: The University of Michigan fosters a vibrant and collaborative research environment, encouraging innovation and fostering a spirit of curiosity and discovery among its researchers and students.
Eligibility For 2024 Fellowship at University of Michigan
- PhD in evolutionary biology, zoology, paleontology, or a related field
- Strong skills in quantitative phylogenetic methods, vertebrate morphology, and data management
- Experience with anatomical study of museum specimens and CT scans highly desirable
- Proficiency in phylogenetic software and R or a comparable programming language
- Demonstrated success in publishing original research
- Previous experience with fossils or fishes desired
Description For 2024 Fellowship at University of Michigan
The successful fellow will be responsible for expanding morphological character matrices, coding living and fossil cichlids from micro CT reconstructions and museum specimens, performing phylogenetic dating analyses, presenting research findings at scientific meetings, and preparing manuscripts for publication. The fellow will also work with a technician on data curation, mentor undergraduate or graduate students involved in the project, and participate in the Broader Impacts initiative and various outreach activities.
How to Apply For 2024 Fellowship at University of Michigan
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter (2 pages max) outlining interest in the position and relevant skills, a CV, and contact information for three references to Hernan Lopez-Fernandez at [email protected] the subject line ” Application: Lopez-Fernandez NSF-Cichlids project.” Informal inquiries are welcome before applying. Last Date for Applying is Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until August 1, 2024.
Source: https://warwick.ac.uk/