Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Avian Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Negaunee Integrative Research Center

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Grainger Bioinformatics Center at the Field Museum invites applications for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher investigating the health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Great Lakes region. This research spans field ecology, environmental toxicology, wildlife disease, and molecular biology.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work across museum collections, molecular laboratories, and field environments. The successful candidate will integrate field, laboratory, and museum-based approaches to understand ecological health in avian populations, particularly raptors.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design and implement fieldwork involving bald eagle nest monitoring, banding, and biological sampling.
2. Coordinate and perform molecular laboratory work, including DNA extractions and high-throughput sequencing.
3. Analyze and interpret multi-omic datasets using bioinformatics pipelines.
4. Collaborate with governmental (e.g., Wisconsin DNR), academic (University of Wisconsin), tribal (GLIFWC), and museum-based partners to integrate data across spatial and institutional boundaries.
5. Participate in mentoring students and public engagement activities as part of the Field Museum’s educational mission.
6. Publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at national scientific meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field with expertise in wildlife health or molecular ecology.
2. Experience handling birds, including avian banding and blood sampling (raptor handling preferred).
3. Proficiency in modern molecular techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR, library prep) and analysis of sequencing data.
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently across field, lab, and computational settings.
5. Strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience conducting ecotoxicological studies or microbiome research in wildlife species.
2. Experience with wildlife disease surveillance and immune biomarker development.
3. Ability to apply museum collections and long-term data to environmental research.
4. Knowledge of PFAS or similar contaminant classes and their ecological impacts.

Application Instructions
Please submit the following documents as a single PDF:

1. Cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Contact information for three professional references

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement.

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision from the Director, Phylogenomic Studies, Grainger Bioinformatics Center.

Supervision Exercised:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours per week; Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Hybrid Eligibility:
Not Eligible

Location:
1400 S DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers’ United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.

Pay Range: $48,000/Annually

We strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where team members from all backgrounds can thrive.

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

Job Tags

Shift work, Monday to Friday,

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