The Biology Department at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time, 3-year post-doctoral position in the laboratory of Natalie Wright. This position is funded through a CAREER grant from the NSF to study why many species of birds exhibit sexual dimorphism in flight muscle size, but many others do not, and to understand how sexual dimorphism in flight muscle size impacts flight in wild birds. We are measuring skeletal specimens of 1,000 bird species and compiling ecological data from the literature to test hypotheses about which ecological traits best predict sexual dimorphism in flight muscle size. We are also studying the flight biomechanics of a few species to understand how sexual dimorphism in flight muscle size affects flight performance. This project, spanning evolutionary ecology, morphology, and flight biomechanics, offers the successful applicant a chance to learn new research skills while building upon familiar ones.

Responsibilities

The primary duties of the postdoc will be to conduct research; collect, analyze, and synthesize data; and disseminate results in scientific publications and presentations at scientific meetings. In addition to their leadership role in the research project, the postdoctoral fellow will develop the skills necessary to succeed in a tenure-track position through collaboration on undergraduate teaching and student mentoring with Dr. Wright. The postdoc will receive formative feedback on teaching from a mentoring committee made up of faculty in the natural sciences, and which mirrors the support offered to new faculty members at the college. This unique postdoctoral experience will involve the early-career scientist in the workings of selective liberal arts college without the expectations of service, full-time teaching, and academic advising. 

Qualifications

Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology, integrative/organismal biology, or a related field by the start date of the appointment. Applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate should indicate the date the degree is expected. Applicants should demonstrate evidence of prior research experience and publications, excellent written and oral communication skills, and a strong background in ornithology, evolutionary ecology, or flight biomechanics. Experience with phylogenetic comparative methods, data analysis in R, comparative morphology, biomechanics, or handling wild birds is preferred. Applicants should have an interest in developing teaching and mentoring skills. This position requires the ability and motivation to work independently and in small teams, to collaborate with faculty, and to help mentor undergraduate researchers.

Kenyon College

Kenyon College is a highly selective private liberal arts college dedicated to excellent undergraduate education. Kenyon provides exceptional facilities, an outstanding student population, a strong junior-faculty mentoring program, and a collegial environment that promotes success and satisfaction among the faculty. Cost of living in the area is very low, and affordable housing within a short walk or bike ride of campus is often available. Kenyon College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, especially committed to building a diverse faculty.

One of the challenges confronting small liberal arts colleges in the United States today is attracting members of underrepresented groups. A diverse faculty benefits students, faculty, and administrators alike by enriching the nature of the educational experience for all, and the Biology department and the College are both committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community for all, regardless of sex; racial, ethnic, national, or cultural background; sexual orientation; disability status; or gender identity or expression. This position is an excellent opportunity for a young scholar to be become familiar with the professional opportunities at small liberal arts colleges. The fellow will participate fully in the life of the faculty, with opportunities for professional development and mentorship, but without the additional responsibilities of a full-time faculty member.

To Apply

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Kenyon's employment website: https://careers.kenyon.edu.  Please email Natalie Wright (wright1@kenyon.edu) with questions. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexible, but around July 1^st, 2025 is preferred.

Applications should include a cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing past research experience, scientific interests, and professional goals as they relate to the position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range is $57,000-60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 85% tuition waivers at fifteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health and dental insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Faculty Handbook.

Kenyon is a great place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.  Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.