Postdoctoral Researcher
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver
Full Time
Posted October 17, 2025
Description
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher, based in the DMNS Earth Sciences Department with collaborative research at the University of Oregon. The successful candidate will join a large, NSF-funded multidisciplinary project (Award #2317666) focused on understanding the recovery of life after the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) mass extinction through paleontological and geochemical studies of fossils from the Denver Basin, CO and Williston Basin, ND. We are seeking a motivated individual to conduct research on the ecology of early Paleocene mammals through stable isotope analyses of bioapatite, including laboratory research with project PIs and co-PIs based at the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR). Applicants with interests and experience in stable isotope geochemistry, mammalian paleontology, and terrestrial paleoecology are especially encouraged to apply. Expertise in isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and/or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques for the measurement of stable isotope ratios in bioapatites and/or other biological and geological materials, interests or experience in laser ablation-based techniques, interest in geochemistry methods development, as well knowledge of the fossil record of western North America, are preferred. The postdoc will be expected to spend research time, as needed, in Oregon, and there is flexibility in how this is arranged.
This is a full-time, 2-year term position with the possibility of extension up to 3 years based on performance. Start date is flexible, but ideally candidate can start in Q1 or Q2 of 2026.
Job Class: Full-time
Hiring Range: $55,000 – $60,000/year
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday normal business hours; weekends and evenings as needed
Direct Reports: 0
Hiring Range: $55,000 – $60,000/year
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday normal business hours; weekends and evenings as needed
Direct Reports: 0
Essential Duties
Research:
- Leads research projects on Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Late Cretaceous & early Paleocene Mammals resulting in peer-reviewed publications.
- Conduct laboratory research in collaboration with other PIs/co-PIs at the University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) and the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia)
- Apply sample preparation and mass spectrometry techniques to measure stable isotope ratios in bioapatites
- Undertake data and sample analysis and synthesis, collaborate with PIs and co-PIs and other team members conducting research in geochemistry, vertebrate paleontology, and paleobotany.
- Elevates the impact of the Earth Sciences Department within and beyond the museum.
- Collaborates with project members as well as other scientists, interns, and volunteers for scholarly activities and outreach.
- Submits and approves timesheets and expenses promptly.
- Participates in Museum and Science Division initiatives and professional paleontology community activities.
- Attends professional meetings regularly.
Outreach:
- Coordinates with Museum departments for educational programs and exhibits.
- Engages in broader impacts, mentors scholars and interns, conducts Scientist in Action programs, and contributes to media outreach.
- Organize and deliver public talks, workshops, and presentations on project findings and paleontology topics.
- Set up and manage informational tables and exhibits at relevant events and conferences.
- Create and distribute casts and other materials for partners and educational purposes.
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements
- Ph.D. degree in Paleontology, Geology, Biology, or a related field
- Peer-reviewed publication record
- Ability and interest to conduct laboratory-based geochemistry research
- Availability to spend research time at the University of Oregon
Ideal Candidate Will Be/Have
- Proficiency in organizing datasets in Microsoft Excel.
- Proficiency in creating publication-quality figures using Adobe Suite.
- Proficiency performing statistical and/or data analyses using relevant software (e.g. R).
- Experience in field-based research.
Application Instructions
Please submit your resume and a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your research experience along with a research statement by 6:00 p.m. MT on Monday, December 1, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this time. DMNS reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. Applications may only be accepted electronically via the Museum’s website. Zoom interviews will be conducted in early/mid January.
DMNS Core Values
- We love science.
- We are curious, creative, and playful.
- We cultivate relationships with each other, diverse communities, the environment, and for our future.
- We think critically and act with empathy.
Perks of Working at DMNS
Click HERE (https://www.dmns.org/about/careers/benefits//) to learn more about the benefits package offered to DMNS staff.
Dayforce Wallet: Get your pay as soon as you earn it, at no cost to you. Request up to 50% of your net earnings without waiting for the standard pay day, through the Dayforce Wallet mobile app.
Due to the high volume of people who apply, we are not able to respond to specific inquiries regarding your application status.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to serving the needs of all our visitors, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000/year