Postdoctoral Positions

Dedman College is accepting the following applications for postdoctoral positions to begin Fall 2024/Spring 2025/Fall 2025:

 

Anthropology. Postdoctoral Fellow in Archaeological Collections Research and Management (position number 00055082). The Archaeology Research Collections (ARC) and the Department of Anthropology in Dedman College at Southern Methodist University invite applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellow to work within the ARC performing collections-based archaeological research beginning August 1, 2025. Specifically, this postdoc will be responsible for assisting in the documentation and rehabilitation of ARC collections, use these collections for novel research pursuits, and serve as a team member in our curatorial facility, including assisting and supervising volunteers, undergraduate students, and visiting researchers. We welcome applications from women, underrepresented scholars, military veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Prior experience performing collections-based laboratory work and/or research is required. Areas of research and interest are open; however, applicants with interests in specific collections or areas of research that draw upon and/or complement existing resources within the ARC and the Department of Anthropology are preferred. The ARC manages more than 4000 ft³ of artifacts, archival documents, photographs, film, and other archaeological materials from research performed by Southern Methodist University between 1965 and 1993. Our collections are of State, National, and International significance, and include materials from Middle Stone Age sites in East Africa; Paleoindian sites of the American Southeast and Southern Plains; ancestral villages and sites of Caddo, Wichita, and other Indigenous Texas peoples; Spanish Missions of Texas; and, early African-American communities in North Texas. Our mission is to curate SMU-held archaeological collections according to State and Federal standards; to conduct and facilitate novel research and use of these collections; to foster public education of and respect for archaeology as a conduit through which modern communities connect with our shared human past. Minimum Qualifications: Completed requirements for a Ph.D. in anthropology with a focus on archaeology or related field required by August 1, 2025. Experience with collections management and rehabilitation of legacy collections. Experience in applying novel research methods and questions to existing datasets and archaeological collections. Demonstrated ability to communicate science through presentation at national and international meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Demonstrated ability to supervise and assist undergraduate student researchers and volunteers. Commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts in the lab and the community. Preferred Qualifications: Expertise in digital-data management, collections-database development and management. Research interests in North Texas archaeology, especially as it relates to the experiences of Indigenous Americans and early African Americans in this region. Application Instructions: The position comes with a salary of $60,000, health insurance, and conference travel included. Postdoc support is available for at least one year, with the possibility of an extension for a second-year contingent upon continued funding, project needs and deliverables, and satisfactory performance. Applications must be submitted via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/157259) with the following documents: (1) a current curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter describing your background, your motivation for applying to this position, your long-term career goals, and any highlights of your CV; (3) a research statement (2-page maximum) summarizing research interests and expertise; and, (4) a list of names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 1, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decision after the position is filled.

Center for Presidential History. Position Numbers 53565 and 53950. The Center for Presidential History (CPH) at Southern Methodist University invites applications for its two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship program, to begin in August 2025. The CPH considers "presidential history" as broadly defined, and so welcomes applicants from all fields, topics, and time periods in U.S. history, particularly those pertaining the nation, politics, citizenship, governance, or executive power. The successful candidate will couple their own research and publishing agenda with their participation in the general academic and public life of the CPH. The CPH supports ongoing public engagement through events, podcasts, and education partnerships, and produces the Collective Memory Project, a filmed oral history of the George W. Bush Presidency. Fellows seeking teaching experience may have opportunity to offer courses through the SMU History department or Honors program in their field of expertise. Start Date is August 15, 2025.  Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/157181. Applications must include: Cover letter, outlining applicant’s research agenda, experience, and proposal for engagement with the CPH’s work; Curriculum Vitae; and Three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, all application materials must be received by November 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. The search committee will begin conducting interviews with finalists via video conference promptly after the review date. For more information on the SMU Center for Presidential History, visit www.smu.edu/CPH.. Educational Requirements:  Ph.D. in History (or related field), defended by time of appointment. Fellows receive an annualized salary of $55,000; access to SMU health insurance and benefits; annual funds to support research & conference travel; and opportunity to host a workshop for their book manuscript. Fellows must be in residence at SMU during the term of the fellowship and must have successfully defended their doctoral dissertation before the appointment begins. Preference will be given to applicants for whom additional time and resources will culminate in the completion of a publishable book-length manuscript. Fellows are officially appointed for one year with full expectation of renewal for a second year. We encourage women, underrepresented scholars, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Earth Sciences.  Position No. 00050717. The Shuler Museum of Paleontology in the Department of Earth Sciences at Southern Methodist University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Paleontology beginning August 1, 2024. The preferred candidate will make use of the significant collections housed in the Shuler Museum and collaborate with the ongoing research of SMU. Excellent facilities are available in the department to incorporate stable isotope work in paleontological research, as well as for analyzing digital image data. There are extensive collections of Early to mid-Cretaceous terrestrial and marine vertebrates from Texas and elsewhere, and of Late Cretaceous marine vertebrates. In addition to Cretaceous faunas and floras, other significant holdings include vertebrates from the Early Permian and Late Triassic of Texas and elsewhere, the Cenozoic of the Gulf Coast and the local Quaternary. Field work that enhances the candidate’s research goals and expands the museum collections is encouraged. Research leading to presentations at national and international meetings and publications in high-tier journals is the primary focus of this position; secondarily, the candidate will participate in upgrading and enhancing the collections database system, and digitization of specimens and existing records. SMU is a nationally-ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. Our colleagues are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. To learn more about Dedman College and SMU, please visit htps://www.smu.edu/dedman, and http://www.smu.edu. Qualifications: Educational Requirements: Ph.D. in paleobiology or closely related discipline at the time of appointment. Required qualifications: Demonstrated ability to communicate science through presentation at national and international meetings and publication in high-tier journals. Field experience with fossil collection and locality documentation. Commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts in the lab and the community. Preferred qualifications: Broad knowledge of fossil groups. Experience with databases, especially FileMaker Pro, and porting of data for web access are a plus. Application Instructions: The position comes with a salary of $55,000, health insurance and conference travel included. Postdoc support is available for at least one year, renewable upon satisfactory progress. Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/147895) and should include the following: (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a letter describing your research interests, experience, and long-term goals - include any highlights of your CV, and (3) a list of names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin as received. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by July 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of the employment decision after the position is filled.

Earth Sciences. Position No. 00053746.  The Department of Earth Sciences in Dedman College at Southern Methodist University invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellow to work on the biopharmaceutical potential of marine organisms, focusing on invertebrates (i.e., sponges and corals) and their host-associated microbiome. Specifically, this postdoc will work to establish links between biosynthetic potential of environmental samples to the production of marine natural products through the lens of chemical ecology. Priority will be given to those with experience in heterologous expression of natural product biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and/or organic chemistry with experience in structural elucidation of small molecules from environmental sources. The postdoc fellow will be part of a larger working group funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focused on understanding the structure, diversity, and community dynamics of marine microbiomes found in the deep-sea, mineral-rich habitats off the coast of Southern California. As such, the postdoc will be encouraged to design projects, integrate and coordinate project deliverables, and propose new research ideas with our collaborators at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. Minimum Qualifications: Completed requirements for a Ph.D. in Earth Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field required by August 1, 2024. Experience with organic chemistry, mass spectrometry, and NMR; and/or Experience in strain cultivation and genetic manipulations. Demonstrated ability to communicate science through presentation at national and international meetings and publication in high-tier journals. Commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts in the lab and the community.  Preferred Qualifications: Experience with (meta)genomic data and analyses. Familiarity with marine natural products.  Application Instructions: The position comes with a salary of $60,000, health insurance, and conference travel included. Postdoc support is available for at least one year, with the possibility of an extension for a second-year contingent upon continued funding, project needs and deliverables, and satisfactory performance. Applications must be submitted via Interfolio http://apply.interfolio.com/146881 with the following documents: (1) a CV, (2) a cover letter describing your background, your motivation for applying to this position, your long-term career goals and any highlights of your CV, (3) a research statement (2-page max) summarizing research interests and expertise, and (4) a list of names and contact information of three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application packet must be received by June 22, 2024, but applications will be accepted and considered until the position is filled. The committee will notify applicants of its employment decision after the position is filled.  Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Alexander B. Chase (abchase@smu.edu).

Chemistry. Position Nos. 00052467 and 00054980. The Matthews Research Group in Southern Methodist University’s Department of Chemistry focuses on using and developing accurate theoretical methods to study molecules, reactions, clusters, and extended systems, and is a member of the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry program and the SMU Center for Research Computing. We specialize in ab initio methods based on quantum mechanics, combining concepts and techniques from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. In particular, we are looking for postdocs to participate in funded projects related to computational soft x-ray spectroscopy using equation-of-motion coupled cluster techniques and reduced- scaling coupled cluster methods for high accuracy/low cost theormochemistry and excited state electronic structure calculations, using SMU’s state-of-the-art ManeFrame III and NVIDIA SuperPOD computing systems. Qualified candidates from multiple backgrounds (e.g. chemistry, physics, computer science, mathetics) are welcome to apply and should have expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: QM/MM embedding (esp. ASEC/APEC) and quantum embedding methods. Theoretical development of coupled cluster methods, analytic gradients, density fitting (or RI/CD) methods, or other related techniques. Computational x-ray spectroscopy and dynamics. Tensor factorization, non-linear optimization, and/or machine learning. High-accuracy thermochemistry and kinetics. High-performance computing (esp. GPGPU). Candidates should submit a cover letter which includes the candidate’s research background and interests and a current CV via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/131046) and arrange for two letters of recommendation. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Chemistry.  Position Nos. 00052516 and 00053660. The Zoltowski lab at Southern Methodist University is a highly interdisciplinary research group focused on using a combination of biophysical, cell biology, chemical, and theoretical approaches to interrogate complex biological networks regulating sensing and adaptation to environmental variables. Our particular focus is on members of the Light- Oxygen-Voltage and Cryptochrome protein families that regulate circadian rhythms or are involved in magnetoreception in migratory organisms. We are currently looking for well qualified postdoctoral researchers interested in working on diverse projects ranging from structural biology, computational biology, and drug discovery. Qualified candidates from multiple backgrounds (e.g. chemistry, physics, computer science, mathematics) are welcome to apply and should have expertise and interest in one or more of the following areas: Experience expressing proteins in insect or mammalian cell culture. Experience with structural biology techniques such as, crystallography, Cryo-EM, NMR, spectroscopy, HDX-MS. Experience using molecular dynamic simulations to interrogate allostery. Molecular and/or cell biology experience with drug screening assays, including, but not limited to Fluorescence Polarization, high-throughput screening, alphascreen. Extensive protein biochemistry and molecular biology experience. Optogenetics Candidates should submit a cover letter which includes the candidate’s research background and interests and a current CV via Interfolio and arrange for two letters of recommendation via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/131197).

Physics.  Position No. 00053766.The Cosmology and Astrophysics group at Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks to hire an outstanding postdoctoral research fellow in cosmology with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). The successful applicant will carry out original research and play an important role in the analysis of DESI data.  Opportunities to make substantial original contributions are high.  DESI science includes a broad and exciting menu of measurements that will collectively provide the most sensitive probe of the expansion history of the universe over the redshift range 0<z<3.5.  The successful applicant will also take a strong role in DESI Operations. DESI is a Stage IV dark energy spectroscopic survey utilizing 5000 robotically positioned fibers on the Mayall 4 m at Kitt Peak National Observatory.  DESI is currently in Year 3 of an initial 5 year survey which will gather an unprecedented sample of almost 40 million galaxy spectra, each covering 360 - 980 nm.  Primary goals are to extract strong cosmological constraints from baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) and redshift space distortion (RSD) measurements.  These are complemented by a host of other sensitive astrophysical and cosmological studies.  Survey sensitivity relies on the optimal and efficient operation of the telescope. The Cosmology & Astrophysics group at SMU is currently strongly involved on DESI in science analysis via the simulations of mock galaxy catalogs to support BAO and RSD measurements.  We focus on halo occupation and semi-analytic modeling of emission line galaxies and quasars to produce high fidelity mocks. More broadly, the SMU astrophysics and cosmology effort also includes CMB cosmology, line intensity mapping at high redshift, supernova cosmology at low redshift, and transient science with Simons Observatory, CMB-S4, COMAP, FYST, ROTSE and others.  Our department also hosts a strong experimental and theoretical particle physics effort at LHC, Fermilab and the EIC. We seek a highly motivated applicant who has obtained, or is about to obtain, a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy or related fields.  Experience with cosmology, galactic astronomy and/or spectroscopy is highly valued.  Software development experience is a plus. For further information, contact Prof. Robert Kehoe (kehoe@physics.smu.edu).  Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a list of publications resulting from significant contributions, a description of research interests and skills including a brief description of mentoring experience, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/138308. Review of applications will begin on February 20, 2024.  To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by March 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.  

 

Physics.  Position No. 53660. Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher in the ATLAS group at Southern Methodist University (SMU). SMU has an active ATLAS group with interests in multiboson physics, Higgs measurements and Higgs-sector-related searches, as well as a presence in detector upgrade work in the Liquid Argon Calorimeter, the Pixel Detector, and trigger and data acquisition. The successful candidate will work on multiboson analyses, specifically triboson measurements, with LHC Run 2 and Run 3 data. The candidate will work on software and computing tasks in ATLAS and will additionally have an opportunity to contribute to the SMU group’s work on ML-based triggers. The successful candidate has the option of either being based at CERN or in Dallas. SMU is a nationally-ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. Our colleagues are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business.  Minimum qualifications: completed requirements for a doctoral degree in physics or related field by November 1, 2024. This position requires a Ph.D. in physics or a related field.  We welcome candidates seeking an inclusive and dynamic team. Preferred qualifications: Experience in working on large scale software development in a particle physics experiment. Start Date: Position begins December 1, 2024. Application: Applications must be submitted via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/156416 and should include a letter highlighting the candidate’s qualifications, complete curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 1, 2024 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants will be notified of the employment decision after the position is filled.  Contact: Saptaparna Bhattacharya (saptaparnab@smu.edu); Letters of Reference and More Information: http://apply.interfolio.com/156416. 

 

Physics – Position No. 00055083. The Department of Physics in Dedman College at Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellow to work with Prof. Patrick Breysse on cosmology and galaxy evolution through the lens of line intensity mapping (LIM) surveys. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to carry out original research in the theory and data analysis of line intensity mapping surveys, with significant creative latitude to pursue specific projects within that area. The Line Intensity Mapping Group at SMU boasts memberships in several leading LIM experiments, including the Carbon Monoxide Mapping Array Project (COMAP), the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST), and the Experiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping (EXCLAIM). The postdoc will have access to two full seasons of first-of-their-kind data from COMAP, the first dedicated instrument in this frequency range to produce results. Current LIM efforts at SMU include developing and applying new analysis tools for COMAP and other LIM surveys, multiline galaxy evolution modeling, and long-term forecasting and planning for future LIM surveys.  The Department of Physics features an active research effort in several areas of extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology, including memberships in DESI, the Simons Observatory, and CMB- S4. The department also hosts a strong experimental particle physics focus at LHC, Fermilab, and the EIC. Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, a CV including list of publications, and a brief (2-3 pages) description of research experience and proposed projects. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded to Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/158476. Review of applications will begin on November 18th.  Review of applications will begin November 18, 2024. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by December 1, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants will be notified of employment decisions after the position is filled. Women, underrepresented scholars, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Prof. Patrick Breysse at pbreysse@smu.edu. Minimum qualifications: Completed requirements for a doctoral degree in physics, astronomy, or related field by 08/01/2025. Preferred qualifications: Experience with cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, or related fields is highly valued, as is experience with scientific programming.

 

Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.  

SMU is a nationally-ranked, private, non-sectarian research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas, researchers are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits. The City of Dallas is one of the nation’s most cosmopolitan commercial and cultural centers, and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the fourth largest in the US. Dallas’ quality of life is exceptional, with a relatively low cost of living and a variety of housing options. A full range of professional sports teams, music venues, a lively and innovative restaurant scene, and more make Dallas an extremely livable city. Explore Dedman College at https://www.smu.edu/dedman, and SMU at http://www.smu.edu.

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