Post Doctoral Associate

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is seeking a highly motivated Post Doctoral Associate in Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources to explore vertebrate functional morphology and evolution, with a focus on secondarily aquatic transformations in amniotes and their terrestrial ancestors from a postcranial perspective. The position is initially 2 years with possible extension based on performance and funding.

Responsibilities include comparative morphology, ML-based shape analysis, phylogenetic

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Earth Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology or related paleontological field.
• Strong background in computational methods for morphology and evolution.
• Experience with phylogenetic comparative methods and quantitative analyses.

Responsibilities

• Comparative Morphology and Machine Learning: Apply shape-correspondence and machine-learning approaches, including spectral/graph-based surface alignment and autoencoder-based shape extraction, to compare limb and joint morphology across independent origins of aquatic locomotion.
• Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Analysis: Use phylogenetic comparative methods to test whether limb reduction in aquatic lineages follows a constrained developmental sequence and to model the evolution of body size using bounded evolutionary models.
• Biomechanical and Hydrodynamic Modeling: Apply computational fluid dynamics to test hydrodynamic hypotheses related to limb loss, limb retention, and body shape, including effects on vortex shedding and lift generation.

Skills

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Geometric Morphometrics

3D Shape Analysis

Kinematics

Education

Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Earth Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Special Instructions

The initial appointment is 2-years and extendable based on the candidate's performance and funding availability.

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Post Doctoral Associate

Department Ecology, Evolutn & Ntrl Rescrc

Salary Details $63,968

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discounts programs

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to conduct research on vertebrate functional morphology and evolution. The focus will be on the functional and biomechanical drivers and underpinnings of secondarily aquatic transformations in amniotes and their terrestrial ancestors, ideally from a postcranial lens.

Project Tasks

• Comparative Morphology and Machine Learning: Apply shape-correspondence and machine-learning approaches, including spectral/graph-based surface alignment and autoencoder-based shape extraction, to compare limb and joint morphology across independent origins of aquatic locomotion.
• Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Analysis: Use phylogenetic comparative methods to test whether limb reduction in aquatic lineages follows a constrained developmental sequence and to model the evolution of body size using bounded evolutionary models.
• Biomechanical and Hydrodynamic Modeling: Apply computational fluid dynamics to test hydrodynamic hypotheses related to limb loss, limb retention, and body shape, including effects on vortex shedding and lift generation.

Position Status

Full Time

Posting Number

26FA0713

Posting Open Date

08/17/2026

Posting Close Date

12/11/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, Earth Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology, or other paleontological field.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Skills in computational fluid dynamics, geometric morphometrics or 3D shape analysis, and kinematics.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong backgrounds in vertebrate and functional morphology, paleontology, biomechanics, comparative anatomy, and phylogenetics

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Overview The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the undergraduate schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agricultural business and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The initial appointment is 2-years and extendable based on the candidate’s performance and funding availability.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Campus

Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Cook (RU-New Brunswick) City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Certifications/Licenses

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

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