What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher position at Montana State University and Careers?
The Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University is a research-active unit within the College of Letters & Science that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees spanning geography, geology, and paleontology. Research in the Deep Time Biology Lab, led by PI Chris Organ, focuses on macroevolution by integrating paleontological and genotypic/molecular data. Co-PI Dana Rashid’s research (Dept of Microbiology and Cell Biology) focuses on the developmental patterning of the vertebrate skeleton. This project involves a collaborative partnership with Erica Scheller (Washington University), whose work focuses on relationships between the nervous system and the skeleton. We maintain a close partnership with the Museum of the Rockies (MOR), a world-class institution and official repository for state and federal fossils. Together, these programs provide a unique interdisciplinary environment that combines field-based discovery with sophisticated laboratory analysis and data science.
For more information, visit the following resources:
For more information, visit the following resources:
- Deep Time Biology Lab
- The Neuroskeletal Biology Laboratory at Washington University
- MSU Department of Earth Sciences
- MSU Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology
- Museum of the Rockies Paleontology Team
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead Comparative Sampling: Execute the sampling and preparation of bone from domestic sheep, domestic chicken, and African clawed frogs to characterize nerve fiber distribution.
- Perform Histology: Utilize silver staining techniques and SYTOX green staining to visualize neural elements and blood cells within bone sections.
- Conduct Immunohistochemistry: Adapt and optimize multiple antibody stains for use on non-traditional model species like avian and amphibian sections.
- Manage High-Resolution Imaging: Perform light and fluorescent imaging across entire transverse bone sections, ensuring proper overlap for high-quality image stitching.
- Execute Data Science Workflows: Utilize Montana State University’s Tempest Supercomputer to process large imaging datasets and generate distribution heat maps.
- Collaborate Across Institutions: Coordinate research efforts between the Organ, Rashid, and Scheller laboratories to ensure methodological consistency and project success.
- Analyze Evolutionary Patterns: Apply comparative data science methods to integrate results across species and differentiate between conserved and adaptive neural and vascular traits.
- Manage Project Timeline: Oversee the transition of research goals from the pilot phase into the expanded Major Research Project framework.
- Disseminate Findings: Lead the preparation of manuscripts for high-impact journals and present findings at relevant biomedical and evolutionary biology conferences.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Educational Background: A Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with a demonstrated focus on comparative anatomy or neurobiology.
- Research Expertise: Proven experience in advanced histological techniques, specifically immunohistochemistry (IHC) and confocal microscopy, as evidenced by previous research or publications.
- Comparative Biology/Phylogenetics: Demonstrated knowledge or expertise in broad-based comparative/phylogenetic vertebrate biology or paleontology.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Data Science Experience: Proficiency in using R or Python for phylogenetic comparative methods and high-performance computing (HPC) environments to integrate data across diverse vertebrate clades.
- Protocol Development: A proven track record of optimizing antibody staining for non-traditional model organisms, specifically adapting mammalian-developed protocols for avian or amphibian tissues.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Collaborative Adaptability: The ability to work seamlessly across a team of uniquely qualified scientists with a “rare breadth of expertise” to achieve shared research goals.
- Scientific Problem-Solving: A proactive mindset to address and overcome “methodological and biological challenges,” such as technical difficulties with antibody specificity or tissue preparation.
- Effective Scientific Communication: The capacity to synthesize complex comparative data and contribute to a robust publication record, which is essential for the “success of this project”.
- Methodological Precision: A high level of attention to detail is required to maintain consistency while adapting established techniques to “new species” and “less-studied” organisms.
- Project Leadership: The initiative required to manage the transition from pilot-phase research into the expanded aims of a “Major Research Project”.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on April 15, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Salary : $55,000 - $60,000