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Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The Department of Anthropology at Michigan State University, in partnership with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-funded MOSAIC project (Methods of Sex, Stature, Affinity, & Age for Identification through Computational Standardization), is excited to invite applications for a postdoctoral research associate specializing in forensic anthropology. The MOSAIC project represents a pioneering initiative combining methodologies for estimating the biological profile---sex, stature, population affinity, and age---in forensic anthropology. Principal Investigator Dr. Joe Hefner and Co-PIs Drs. Kate Lesciotto, Kate Spradley, Alex Klales, Heather Edgar, and Michael Kenyhercz seek to enhance the precision and uniformity of forensic identifications through advanced computational tools.

This position is particularly suited for an early-career forensic anthropologist passionate about innovating computational methods for biological profiling and method development. The successful candidate will actively engage in MOSAIC's collaborative, multi-institutional research efforts, supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and foster partnerships with various institutions. Additionally, opportunities for involvement in forensic anthropological casework at the Michigan State University Forensic Anthropology Laboratory (MSUFAL) will provide a unique blend of practical and research-oriented experiences. The job incumbent is required to report to work in-person in East Lansing.

Michigan State University is an R1 institution and applicants are expected to have a demonstrated record of high impact peer reviewed publication and sustained competitive external funding for research. University teaching experience, while not required, will greatly strengthen the application.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct research initiatives related to the MOSAIC project.
• Travel nationally and internationally to participate in data collection and collaborative endeavors.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students on research projects aligned with MOSAIC's goals.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among multiple academic, research, and governmental entities.

Contribute to the development of computational tools for standardizing estimations of sex, stature, population affinity, and age in forensic contexts.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Anthropology completed by the date of hire.
• Demonstrated experience in data collection and analysis.
• Potential for or demonstrated high impact peer-reviewed publications and competitive external funding for research in topics pertaining to Forensic Anthropology.
• Potential for or demonstrated evidence of high-quality instruction and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Desired Qualifications

Forensic Anthropological method development.

Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills in collaborative, multi-institutional research settings.

Ability to work independently while also contributing to a multidisciplinary team.

Willingness to travel nationally and internationally to support the MOSAIC project.

Experience in supervising students and facilitating inter-institutional coordination is highly preferred.

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