Postdoctoral Associate, University of Florida: Florida Museum of Natural History

Published: January 7, 2020    Jobs, Research Position

Expired

Location

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Open Date

Dec 23, 2019

Description

The openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collection Network (TCN)—funded by the US National Science Foundation—is seeking a postdoctoral scientist that will work with the oVert team to develop and fine-tune protocols for imaging using x-ray computed tomography (CT-scanning) and workflows for sharing digital anatomical datasets using on-line depositories. A portion of this position will be dedicated to project management and grant administration.

The successful applicant will be based at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) and work directly with Dr. David Blackburn and Dr. Edward Stanley, both faculty at the Florida Museum of Natural History. This will be a highly collaborative environment with interactions with PIs, staff, and students at the 18 participating institutions, including staff for the on-line depository MorphoSource (based at Duke University). The successful applicant will work with oVert PIs to develop written workflows and on-line tutorials related to accessing and using CT data by the research and educational communities. They will be expected to facilitate on-site training for students and visitors and engage in some travel for similar training at other institutions in the US. In addition, they will participate in regular in-person and virtual project meetings on a bi-weekly basis for the oVert TCN. A portion of time will also be dedicated to pursuing independent research related to the CT data generated from the oVert TCN.

Following the guidance of the National Academies of Science and Engineering on how to best enhance postdoctoral experiences (http://bit.ly/NASEpostdoc), the PIs will provide: clear communication about the nature of the work to be performed and evaluation processes; career counseling; training in preparation of grant proposals, publications, and presentations; guidance on ways to improve teaching and mentoring skills; guidance on how to effectively collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary areas and with members of the local community; and training in responsible professional practices.

Qualifications

PhD required. 

Applicants should have experience with microCT-scanning, including using contrast agents for soft-tissues, segmenting datasets using software like VGStudioMax / Avizo, and mesh-editing with software like meshlab, Maya, or Netfab. Python coding, app development, and video editing experience as well as familiarity with research in natural history museums would all be preferred.

Applicants should have strong writing, presentation, and organizational skills and be highly collaborative.

Application Instructions

Please send a letter of interest highlighting research and long-term goals, curriculum vitae, and the names and email addresses of three or more references. Please apply via Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/72756 and reference job 57675.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.