Postdoctoral Associate, Anthro-CASHP

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

The George Washington University in Washington, DC seeks a Postdoctoral Associate in the Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology to join the Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Research Lab. The role involves multidisciplinary analyses of archaeological, anatomical, and geological data, with supervision by Andrew Barr and collaboration across GW Labs and libraries.

Candidates must hold a PhD in anthropology, biology, biological anthropology, or a related field by the start date, with

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent qualification by start date.
• Experience with archaeological analyses and field work.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement research protocols; design safety procedures; adapt new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures.
• Collect, prepare and analyze research data; keep a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data; maintain computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data; search pertinent scientific literature as needed.
• Supervise other personnel in the laboratory; participate in training of fellows, students and volunteer workers as needed.
• Oversee reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, animal maintenance; assist with ordering and procurement and with general maintenance of laboratory.

Education

PhD (or equivalent)

Job description

Posting Details

Please see Special Instructions for more details on GW jobs website.

Appointments are limited-term and are designed for those who have recently received a doctorate. Appointments are made to academic departments with the approval of the department head and may require senior officer approval. Appointments are usually for not less than one term and are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years. This appointment is not intended for long-term, indefinite, or career appointments.

I. POSITION INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

GW has everything you need to succeed in discovery. Outstanding research, state-of-the-art facilities and world-class faculty support discovery and innovative solutions. Researchers and faculty across campus advance interdisciplinary and emerging research and scholarship. Our active GW Postdoctoral Association welcomes your engagement in social and professional activities as you join our research teams. Research guides, coding and data management solutions as well as extensive online journals from GW Libraries help to guide your study. The Office of the Vice Provost for Research ( OVPR ) supports the research infrastructure and facilitates several institutional research initiatives.

This position is for a Selective Excellence-funded Postdoc based in the Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, and working in the The Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Research Lab (supervisor, Andrew Barr).

The postdoc will conduct multi‑disciplinary analyses of many types of data, archeological, anatomical, and geological data. The position requires a PhD in anthropology, biology, biological anthropology or a related field. The postdoc will also assist with writing reports and publications, train students, and assist faculty in the preparation of new grant applications. In some cases, postdocs will assume general responsibility for general scientific operations in the lab, and/or provide supervision and guidance to laboratory staff, students, trainees and other researchers. Examples of duties might include:

• Design and implement research protocols; design safety procedures; adapt new procedures, methods or instrumentation relative to research procedures.
• Collect, prepare and analyze research data; keep a detailed notebook summarizing experiments and recording research data; maintain computer database of research data; tabulate and display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data; search pertinent scientific literature as needed.
• Supervise other personnel in the laboratory; participate in training of fellows, students and volunteer workers as needed.
• Oversee reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, animal maintenance; assist with ordering and procurement and with general maintenance of laboratory.

A Postdoctoral Associate:

• holds a PhD or equivalent degree;
• develops skills by participating in scholarly projects that are actively mentored by a member of the university faculty;
• receives financial support in the form of a salary that is typically funded by grants, contracts or departmental funds secured by a faculty mentor; and
• has a limited term of up to five years at GW.

In collaboration with experienced researchers, this role will participate in the planning and conduction of discovery research, data analysis and interpretation, preparation of materials for publication, presentations at conferences and meetings, and may develop new theories and methodologies. This role can expect timely advice as to research directions and career planning for a future independent career. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have fulfilled all requirements for the award of a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field by the date of employment.

Desired Qualifications

A minimum of PhD in archeology, geology, biological anthropology, or related field is required. Must have experience with archaeological analyses and field work.

Hiring Range

$63,480- $70,000

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package for Postdoc Associates and Scholars that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, well-being and various voluntary benefits. Postdoc Scholars may also be eligible for retirement savings and tuition programs. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/postdoc_benefits.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Posting Number P010166

Job Open Date 09/24/2026

Part-time / Full-time PF Post Doc Full Time Exempt

Total Hours per Week 40

Work Schedule Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Campus Location Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: Columbian College of Arts & Sciences (CCAS)

Expected duration of appointment 1 Year

Position Designation On-Campus/In-Person

Special Instructions to Applicants Employees in this subfamily are responsible for designing and conducting experiments in a controlled laboratory setting. Duties may include performing experiments, collecting, analyzing and reporting data.

Required Background Check Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.