CalTech Postdoc on the Geobiology of Complex Multicellular Life

The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship to investigate the geobiology of complex multicellular life. The fellowship carries an annual stipend of $61,000 plus a research expense fund of $5,000 and up to $2,000 for one-way travel costs to Pasadena, and is expected to begin within calendar year 2019. Award is contingent on completion of the Ph.D. degree prior to starting, and good progress in the first year. Fellows are eligible to participate in Caltech’s benefit programs, including health and dental programs.

Complex multicellularity has evolved several times independently on our planet: in animals, algae, plants, and at least three times within the fungi. These organisms tend to have rich fossil records that – in combination with genomic and/or geochemical data – allow one to address historical questions in great detail. We are also beginning to recognize them as critical geobiological agents in the environment (e.g arthropods, plants, fungi). Emerging observations from the geological record also indicate major areas of interplay between their evolutionary processes and changes in climate, chemistry, and physical processes operating at the Earth surface. This fellowship will be awarded to foster innovative research in any of these areas, or related areas, at Caltech. Applicants with training in geology, chemistry, or biology are encouraged to apply. It is expected that the fellowship recipient be hosted by one or more division professors who will provide both financial support and mentorship.
Materials in support of an application should include curriculum vitae, list of publications, a one-page statement of research interests, and three letters of reference. Complete applications including letters of reference are due by December 7, 2018. Applications can be submitted to Jen Shechet at shechet@gps.caltech.edu.

If there are any questions during the search process, please contact us at shechet@gps.caltech.edu