Postdoctoral Scholar

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty

DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Principal Investigator for NSF-BIO grant# 2337605

POSITION SUMMARY: The Proud Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Moravian University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to join a highly collaborative, NSF-funded research project focused on the evolutionary history and biogeography of Opiliones (NSF Grant #2337605). They will work closely with the Principal Investigator, undergraduate researchers, and international collaborators to reconstruct evolutionary relationships, evaluate patterns of evolution, and test biogeographic hypotheses using a phylogenomic framework based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs). This position offers opportunities to build an independent research program, gain significant teaching and mentoring experience, and contribute meaningfully to a collaborative and supportive academic community.

This is a full-time position with an initial appointment of 12 months. The position may be renewed annually for up to two additional years based on performance and continued funding. This position is based at Moravian University located in Bethlehem, PA, where the postdoctoral scholar will be expected to engage in on-site research, teaching, and mentoring activities. It may be possible to arrange a regular remote workday, subject to approval and in alignment with project needs. This position requires occasional travel to domestic and international locations.

The preferred start date is between September 1, 2025 - January 1, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Generate, assemble, and analyze phylogenomic data for two major clades of Opiliones.
• Conduct phylogenetic, biogeographic, and comparative analyses to investigate diversification, species richness, and trait evolution.
• Contribute to taxonomic revisions of Opiliones through integrative systematics combining molecular, morphological, and geographic data.
• Assist with organizing field expeditions, including preparation of research permit applications; and participate in the field expeditions.
• Participate in research collaborations and professional conferences, which will require periodic travel to domestic and international locations.
• Mentor undergraduate students in research.
• Contribute to undergraduate education by giving guest lectures, participating in a field-based course in Costa Rica, developing materials for a course, and (in the second and third year) teaching a course with support and mentorship from the PI.
• Participate in collaborative manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, and broader dissemination efforts.
• Help foster an inclusive and supportive lab culture, including engagement with international collaborators and citizen science efforts.
• Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to support career growth in academia or related scientific careers.

All positions are subject to budget availability.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, systematics, biogeography, or a closely related field at the time of appointment (candidates who are ABD and have a defense date scheduled will be considered).
• Strong understanding of evolutionary biology and systematics.
• Proven research productivity through publications or conference presentations.
• Commitment to responsible conduct of research and collaborative scientific practices.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in a diverse and inclusive research setting.

Preferred:

• Experience working with arachnids or other invertebrates, including familiarity with morphological data and taxonomic methods.
• Demonstrated experience with phylogenomic or phylogenetic methods, including wet lab protocols and bioinformatic tools.
• Prior fieldwork experience in Latin America; Spanish language skills are beneficial but not required.
• Experience working with natural history collections and specimen-based data.
Interest in evidence-based teaching practices and contributing to undergraduate curriculum development.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should attach the following documents to the online application, ” Please attach a single PDF.

• Cover letter that outlines the applicant’s career goals, research interests, expectations for this position, and interests in teaching an undergraduate course.
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Proud, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences ([email protected]).

Review of the applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Moravian University is able to sponsor a J-1 visa for candidates eligible for exchange visitor programs. Other employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Moravian University’s mission is to prepare individuals for reflective lives and leadership in a world of change. In support of this mission, we are dedicated to fostering an educational and professional environment that is enriched by individuals of varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

As part of Moravian University’s institutional values, all employees contribute to upholding our Community Standards and Expectations , which emphasize respectful engagement, accountability, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Moravian University is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation against any applicant for employment or admission on the basis of a characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Please see Moravian University’s Equal Opportunity and Title IX nondiscrimination statement for additional information.

Please visit moravian.edu/benefits to review benefits offered at Moravian University.*

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job.
The individual is routinely exposed to indoor conditions, minimum outdoor weather and temperature extremes, and moderate noise level.

We welcome applicants of all abilities and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment. If you need any accommodations during the hiring process or in your role, we encourage you to reach out to Human Resources at [email protected] or 610.861.1527. View the standard physical demands for positions at Moravian University.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

• Please visit this link to review the benefit eligibility status associated with this position.