SUMMARY: The Human Skeletal Biology Lab at Des Moines University (DMU) invites applicants for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Assistant position. This position, funded by NIJ-award (2020-75-CX-0013), includes a competitive salary and health benefits. The postdoc will work under the direction of PI Lauren Butaric, PHD and co-PI Heather Garvin, PHD, D-ABFA, on a project focused on creating empirically-based guidelines for forensic identifications utilizing the frontal sinus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will be expected to: 1) conduct research collecting/analyzing frontal sinus data utilizing CT scans and traditional radiographs; 2) mentor and supervise Masters of Anatomy and medical student researchers working in the lab on related aspects of the project; and 3) collaborate on the presentation of results, including participation in professional conferences (travel stipends provided) and manuscript preparations. Outside of the time allotted to the grant research, there are opportunities for the postdoc to gain experience in forensic anthropological casework, gross anatomy dissections, and teaching. Des Moines University has a diverse set of faculty, including biological anthropologists, anatomists, paleontologists, and allied-health professionals. More about Des Moines University can be found at https://www.dmu.edu/ and information specific about the Department of Anatomy can be found here: https://www.dmu.edu/anatomy/.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates applying to this position must have a doctoral degree in biological anthropology, forensic anthropology, or related field (e.g., anatomy) and should show evidence of a publication/presentation record. ABD individuals expecting their degree by Summer 2021 will be considered. Preferred candidates will have a strong background in cranial anatomy, radiographic and 3D imaging programs (such as Amira/Avizo, 3DSlicer, Geomagic, etc.), statistical programs (such as R or SPSS), and/or forensic anthropology. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply at https://careers.dmu.edu (Job# 492382). In addition to the online application, candidates should provide a CV, list of 3 academic references, and a 1-page cover letter briefly describing relevant qualifications, career goals, and expected start date availability. Questions about the position can be directed to [email protected]. Initial screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A start date in February 2021 is preferred, but negotiable (must be able to start by June 2021). References may be contacted during the application review process. Interviews will be conducted virtually. Des Moines University is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, and other characteristics protected by law (“protected class”). Applications from candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.