John Caldwell Meeker Postdoctoral Fellow

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Position: John Caldwell Meeker Postdoctoral Fellow

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Department: Earth Sciences, 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!

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 $3000 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, paleobiology, paleoecology, macroevolution, paleo botany, meteoritics, and cosmochemistry.

Application review will begin on 02/23/2026

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

Mentorship and Expectations:

• 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.

Qualifications and application requirements:

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

Applications should include:

• 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.

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision from one or more Earth Science curators.

Work Hours and Shift:
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.

Location:

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

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

Pay Range: $61,461.58/Annually

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.

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