John Caldwell Meeker Postdoctoral Fellow

Position: John Caldwell Meeker Postdoctoral Fellow

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Department: Earth Sciences, Negaunee Integrative Research Center

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

• 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!

Applications are invited for the John Caldwell Meeker Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Earth Sciences Section of the Negaunee Integrative Research Center at the Field Museum. This is a privately‑funded (non‑government) full‑time, two‑year position. The appointment is expected to begin on June 1, 2026
, or soon thereafter. The position includes a $3,000 per year research allowance. The successful candidate will be expected to complement, extend and/or participate in any of the ongoing curatorial research programs in the Earth Sciences Section (curators: Kenneth Angielczyk, Philipp Heck, Fabiany Herrera, Arjan Mann, Jingmai O’Connor).

Candidates who employ state‑of‑the‑art methodologies/technologies in their collections‑based research are especially encouraged to apply. The Earth Sciences Section has a record of scientific excellence in collections‑based research, with current strengths in phylogenetic systematics, comparative and functional morphology, paleo biology, paleo ecology, macroevolution, paleo botany, meteoritics, and cosmochemistry.

Applicants should contact curators with whom they are interested in collaborating well before applying. Information about individual curators and their research programs can be found at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Application review will begin on 02/23/2026

• Complement, extend and/or participate in any of the ongoing curatorial programs in the Earth Sciences Section through novel research.
• Contribute to manuscript writing, presentations, and broader dissemination of research outcomes to scientific audiences.
• Participate in mentoring and training undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
• Contribute to outreach and education efforts directed towards the general public, museum members, and museum donors.

• The position includes support and career development under a formal Postdoctoral Mentoring Plan.
• The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish at least one lead‑author manuscript per year and to contribute to collaborative publications.
• The position is based at The Field Museum in Chicago, and active on‑site participation is expected.

• A Ph.D. in a field of research represented in the Earth Sciences Section is required at the time of appointment.

• A single combined PDF file with (1) a statement of general research interests (one page)
• A proposal describing the work that would be undertaken as a Meeker Fellow (maximum two pages, including citations and figures)
• A curriculum vitae including publications list and (4) names and email addresses of three referees.

Candidates should upload this file to the "Additional Documents" field.

Receives general supervision from one or more Earth Science curators.

35 hours/week. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm. Weekend and evening hours are occasionally required.

This position is hybrid eligible, but you are expected to be onsite 3 times a week.

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

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

$61,461.58 /…