Description
Area: Skeletal Development in Primates
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: Spring 2027 (flexible)
Salary: 51,000$CAD per annum, plus University of Calgary Plan C health benefits
The Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Development of Primate Skeletal Microarchitecture.
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:
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Oversee the collection of behavioral data on Cayo Santiago
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Work with existing microCT scans of rhesus macaque long bones
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Use established coding pipelines to quantify whole epiphysis trabecular bone microarchitecture
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Adapt methods to characterize cortical bone morphology
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Design statistical models to assess the impact of life history factors on the trajectory of skeletal development
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Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and peer-reviewed manuscripts
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Present research findings at academic conferences and institutional meetings
Aid in the training of more junior lab members
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Qualifications:
List the minimum education/qualifications/skills the hiring manager is looking for in the successful candidate.
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PhD in Anthropology, Primatology, Zoology, Anatomy, Biomechanics or related field
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Demonstrated experience with quantitative methods
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Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, SAS), coding languages (especially Python)
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Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly presentations
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
Experience in primate anatomy and/or bone biology
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Application Details:
Interested applicants should submit the following:
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Curriculum vitae (CV)
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Statement of research interests and career goals (1-2 pages)
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Any relevant publications, with an explanation of your role in the work
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Names and contact information for three academic references
Please send application materials to:
Dr. Cassandra Turcotte
Email: [email protected]
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.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
