Milwaukee Public Museum https://www.mpm.edu/
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) seeks a postdoctoral fellow (postdoc) to assist with a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project titled “Collaborative Research: BoCP Implementation: Using the Past to Predict the Future: How Physiology and other Functional Traits Determine Survival/Extinction in W. Atlantic Mollusks.” The position is dependent upon continued NSF support and will have a duration of two years pending satisfactory progress on project goals. The position is on site in Milwaukee; a hybrid work arrangement is possible, though a minimum of three days/week must be in office. The position will begin no later than September 1, 2025.
The postdoc will assist Principal Investigator Jonathan Hendricks and a team of researchers at other institutions with collaborative research on Plio-Pleistocene to Recent mollusk species from the southeastern United States. Broadly, our team seeks to better understand how the traits of mollusks have in some cases conferred survivorship within changing environments over millions of years. A key focal trait that will be analyzed by the postdoc at MPM is larval developmental mode. The postdoc will also participate in an ongoing effort to synthesize and share taxonomic and occurrence information about fossil mollusk species from this study system through both publications and online platforms. There will also be opportunity for the postdoc to develop and investigate hypotheses of their own interest that are related to the broader project and study system.
The postdoc will take a lead role in authoring peer-reviewed papers, presenting research at conferences, contributing to outreach endeavors, traveling domestically to collect data from museum collections, and assisting with the mentorship and supervision of students who will also be participating with the research.
It is an exciting time to work at the Milwaukee Public Museum as we prepare to move our collections and exhibits to our new home in 2027: The Nature and Culture Museum of Wisconsin.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- A completed Ph.D. in paleontology, zoology, or closely related field.
- Established record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national or international scientific conferences.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to meet agreed-upon deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to both work independently and also function as an effective member of a team.
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for up to 10 days at a time.
Preferred Qualifications
- Significant research experience in invertebrate paleontology or invertebrate zoology, especially working with fossil or modern marine mollusks.
- Demonstrated experience working with and using museum collections for research.
- Knowledge of taxonomic practice.
- Strong analytical skills, especially in bioinformatics; skill using R, Python, or other programming languages.
- Experience with photography of fossil specimens and image processing using Photoshop.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $60,000/year and includes full benefits (including health insurance). The grant supporting the project also includes funds for project-related travel (including conference participation) and other research related expenses.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off Package Including:
- Personal Days
- Vacation
- Sick Time
- Holidays
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Parking Subsidy/Discounted Bus Pass
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free Museum Membership
- Museum Shop, Food, & Beverage Discounts
- YMCA Workplace Wellness
- Free Coffee Fridays
Application Requirements
To apply for this position, submit: 1) a current CV; 2) a cover letter that describes how your research interests, experience, and professional goals align with the position (2 pages or less); and 3) the names and contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) of three professional references.
This position is open until filled; however, to receive full consideration, please submit materials by June 30, 2025.
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)
The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) is a natural and human history museum located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum is among the oldest in the United States, with a history dating back to the 1850’s. We offer great career opportunities for people with all levels of training, experience, and education. We are a composition of diverse and talented staff working together as a team to offer our visitors the best possible immersive experience in learning and enjoyment.
A career with the Milwaukee Public Museum allows you to connect your skills and abilities in a rewarding position with a non-profit organization doing good work in our community. MPM provides an unlimited opportunity to gain knowledge about our world, as you connect with visitors, donors, innovative staff members, curious students, interns and volunteers in your day-to-day-work. See what MPM has to offer and consider applying today!
The Milwaukee Public Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.