Postdoctoral Scholar in Primate Skeletal Health

Job Description:

The scholar will join the Cayo Biobank Research Unit, an international collaboration undertaking research on the free-ranging rhesus macaques on the Cayo Santiago field station. This role will focus on the period of early macaque ontogeny marked by significant locomotor transitions. The postdoctoral researcher will utilize advanced techniques in skeletal imaging and quantification to characterize bone shape through each stage. The role offers extensive opportunities to lead and collaborate on multiple ongoing and planned research studies, develop a unique area of research expertise, and engage in national and international dissemination of findings through publications and conferences.

The successful applicant will join the lab of Dr. Cassandra Turcotte, which is focused on understanding the social and environmental factors influencing musculoskeletal form and function in primates.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee the collection of behavioral data on Cayo Santiago
• Work with existing microCT scans of rhesus macaque long bones
• Use established coding pipelines to quantify whole epiphysis trabecular bone microarchitecture
  • Adapt methods to characterize cortical bone morphology
  • Design statistical models to assess the impact of life history factors on the trajectory of skeletal development
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Present research findings at academic conferences and institutional meetings
• Aid in the training of more junior lab members
   

Qualifications:

List the minimum education/qualifications/skills the hiring manager is looking for in the successful candidate.

• PhD in Anthropology, Primatology, Zoology, Anatomy, Biomechanics or related field
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative methods
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS), coding languages (especially Python)
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly presentations
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Experience in primate anatomy and/or bone biology
   

Application Details:

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of research interests and career goals (1-2 pages)
• Any relevant publications, with an explanation of your role in the work
• Names and contact information for three academic references

Please send application materials to:

Dr. Cassandra Turcotte

Email: cassandra.turcotte@ucalgary.ca
 

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.  

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.