Postdoctoral Opportunity: Post-Doctoral Fellow in Paleontology, Climate Change & AI – University of Colorado Anschutz

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Post-Doctoral Fellow in Paleontology, Climate Change & AI – University of Colorado Anschutz

• Institution: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

• Department: Cell and Developmental Biology

• Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow

• Requisition Number: 41398

• Position Number: 00853511

• Appointment Type: Full-Time

• Work Mode: Onsite

• Location: Aurora, Colorado, United States

• Project Funding: NSF-Funded

• Research Focus: Paleontology, Climate Change, Mammalian Functional Diversity, Geospatial Analysis & AI

• Salary Range: USD 63,900–64,380 annually, approximately INR 60.54–60.99 lakh per year

• Posting Date: October 14, 2026

• Best Consideration Date: October 31, 2026

• Final Closing Status: Open until filled

Overview of the Opportunity

The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Anschutz invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow to join an NSF-funded interdisciplinary research project examining the effects of climate change on mammalian functional diversity.

The project combines high-resolution fossil records from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, with geospatial analysis, micro-CT imaging, 3D technologies, and AI-enabled research workflows.

The research centres on the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a major global warming event approximately 56 million years ago, to investigate ecosystem resilience and changes in mammalian functional diversity.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will contribute to research involving:

• Vertebrate Paleontology

• Mammalian Functional Diversity

• Paleoclimate Change

• Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

• Fossil Records

• Geospatial Data Analysis

• Micro-CT Imaging

• 3D Fossil Reconstruction

• Artificial Intelligence Workflows

• Ecosystem Resilience

• Evolutionary Biology

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to:

• Manage and update vertebrate fossil field-locality metadata.

• Conduct geospatial modelling and analysis.

• Assess depositional and faunal trends.

• Morphotype and sort mammalian postcranial and dental specimens.

• Segment and analyse micro-CT datasets.

• Produce 3D models of fossil specimens.

• Use 3D printing for comparative research and outreach.

• Conduct independent research on climate change and mammalian functional diversity.

• Participate in field-season activities.

• Mentor a Fieldwork Professional Development student.

• Contribute to broader-impact and community outreach activities.

• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

• Present research at national and international conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a:

• Ph.D. in Paleontology, Biology, Anthropology, Geology, or a related field

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• Strong expertise or interest in geospatial data and analysis.

• Experience with collections-based anatomical research involving vertebrate fossils.

• Experience processing and analysing volumetric imaging datasets.

• Experience working with skeletal morphology.

• A publication record in relevant research areas.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with:

• Experience in vertebrate paleontology.

• Field-collecting experience.

• Knowledge of museum accessioning procedures.

• Proficiency in ArcGIS or QGIS.

• Experience with Python and/or R geospatial packages.

• Familiarity with 3D Slicer or similar software.

• Experience supervising or mentoring students.

• Experience working in museum or field environments.

Knowledge & Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary research team.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of vertebrate anatomy.

• Expertise in mammalian dental and postcranial anatomy.

• Understanding of functional-diversity metrics.

• Ability to apply ecological or evolutionary analytical approaches.

Professional Development Opportunities

The position includes opportunities for:

• Training through the Advanced Teaching Practicum.

• Development of individualized 1-year and 5-year professional plans.

• Collaboration with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

• Student mentorship during fieldwork.

• Outreach activities in the Bighorn Basin.

• Experience with fossil digitization and 3D printing.

• Development of teaching and research skills.

Work Authorization

Applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States.

The University is unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position, either now or in the future.

Salary & Benefits

The advertised starting salary range is:

USD 63,900–64,380 annually

Approximately:

INR 60.54–60.99 lakh annually

The University of Colorado also provides applicable benefits including leave, health plans, and retirement contributions.

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit:

1. Letter of Interest

   • Relevant experience

   • Match with the listed qualifications

   • Interest in the position

2. Curriculum Vitae / Resume

3. Five Professional References

   • Name

   • Address

   • Phone number

   • Email

4. Representative Publication or Preprint

Important Dates

• Posting Date: October 14, 2026

• Best Consideration Date: October 31, 2026

• Screening: Begins immediately

• Final Closing Status: Open until filled

Candidates should apply by October 31, 2026 for best consideration.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted electronically through the University of Colorado Careers portal.

Requisition Number: 41398
Position Number: 00853511

Application Portal:
https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?applicant_id=C5FEE7D0-FE59-4556-BAB6-A6E8E94A3BFB&ad_id=DB84D4F9-20D1-4718-80EB-581431670BFC&job=41398&lang=en

For position-related enquiries:

Jasmine Deol
Email: jasmine.deol@cuanschutz.edu

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