Stony Brook University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Stable Isotope Sciences within the Department of Ecology and Evolution. The appointment is part of an NSF CAREER-funded research project supporting interdisciplinary research in stable isotope geochemistry, palaeoecology, and mammalian fossil records. The full-time role is expected to begin in Fall 2026 and will be based on campus.
The successful researcher will join the Palaeobiology, Biogeography and Stable Isotope Ecology Lab, contributing to research investigating eco-evolutionary responses to landscape and climate dynamics through stable isotope analyses. The appointment forms part of the NSF CAREER project, bringing together expertise from ecology, geosciences and palaeontology while providing access to the Stable Isotope Laboratory and collaborative research opportunities through the Turkana Basin Institute.
The role focuses on laboratory-based stable isotope research using isotope ratio mass spectrometry, bioapatite analysis and analytical methods development. The postdoctoral associate will also contribute to collaborative data analysis, scientific publications, grant development and researcher training while working alongside multidisciplinary teams investigating environmental change across geological timescales.
Alongside these research activities, the appointment offers opportunities to collaborate with academic researchers across multiple disciplines and, where appropriate, participate in optional museum- and field-based research in western North America or Kenya’s Turkana Basin. Candidates with experience in stable isotope sciences, geochemistry, palaeontology, palaeoecology and isotope ratio mass spectrometry will be well suited to the responsibilities outlined for this position.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Associate in Stable Isotope Sciences
- Official Reference Number: 2602321
- Institution: Stony Brook University, USA
- Department: Ecology and Evolution
- Research Disciplines: Stable Isotope Sciences, Geochemistry, Palaeoecology, Palaeobiology, Ecology and Evolution
- Location: Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Associate (Full-time)
- Contract Duration: Two years (second year contingent upon first-year performance)
- Start Date: Fall 2026
- Working Hours: Day Shift, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
- Salary/Funding: US$61,000 per year; NSF CAREER-funded project
- Required Qualification: Doctoral degree (or foreign equivalent)
Research Areas
- Stable Isotope Sciences and Geochemistry
- Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Bioapatite Analysis
- Palaeoecology and Palaeobiology
- Mammalian Fossil Records and Evolutionary Research
- Ecology, Evolution and Climate Dynamics
- Geochemistry Methods Development
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- Doctoral degree (or foreign equivalent) in Ecology and Evolution, Palaeobiology, Palaeoecology, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline before the appointment begins.
- Experience with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for measuring stable isotope ratios in biological or geological materials, with interest or experience in laser heating-based analytical techniques and geochemistry methods development preferred.
- Interest or experience in studying mammalian fossil records from eastern Africa or western North America using multi-proxy research approaches.
- Strong English written and verbal communication skills, supported by an established record of research productivity.
- Experience or interest in working within multidisciplinary and multicultural research teams.
- Intermediate R programming and research data management skills are desirable.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Lead research on the stable isotope geochemistry of Miocene faunas, producing peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with the research team.
- Conduct laboratory research with the principal investigators, preparing samples and performing gas-source isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) analyses of bioapatites.
- Advance stable isotope research by developing laser-heating IRMS methods and contributing to geochemistry methods development.
- Analyse research data collaboratively with academic staff, graduate and undergraduate researchers, and research-in-residency scholars.
- Present research findings at scientific meetings while contributing to grant applications, collaborative publications and researcher training activities.
Application Process
Applicants should complete their application through the official Stony Brook University recruitment portal and include all required supporting documents.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- One representative publication or research summary slide
- Contact details for 3–5 referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 8 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2026, 9:29 am
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Fall 2026
Access Apply Now to view the official vacancy details, check eligibility requirements, review application documents, and submit your application before the deadline.
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Institutional Overview
Stony Brook University is a public research university in New York and forms part of the State University of New York system. The university supports research across science, engineering, health, humanities and social sciences through specialised laboratories and interdisciplinary collaborations. The Department of Ecology and Evolution brings together researchers studying biological diversity, environmental change and evolutionary processes using field, laboratory and analytical approaches. Researchers also collaborate with the Turkana Basin Institute, supporting education and research in palaeontology, archaeology and geology within one of the world’s most significant fossil regions for mammalian evolution and human origins.
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