John Caldwell Meeker Postdoctoral Fellow

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.

Were 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 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 OConnor).

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 paleobotany 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:

Application review will begin on 02/23/2026

Duties and Responsibilities:

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

Mentorship and Expectations:

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

Qualifications and application requirements:

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

Applications should include:

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

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 am4:30 pm. Weekend and evening hours are occasionally required.

Hybrid Eligibility:

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: $61461.58/Annually

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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