Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Evolutionary Anthropology

Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Evolutionary Anthropology in the Evolution, Culture and Cognition Lab, Arizona State University

The Evolution, Culture and Cognition lab (“Ecco” lab) in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change (SHESC) and Institute of Human Origins (IHO) at Arizona State University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Evolutionary Anthropology. The position is under the supervision of SHESC/IHO faculty member Thomas Morgan and lasts up to three years. The postdoctoral research scholar will be contributing to a project entitled “Understanding Diverse Intelligences via Diverse Constraints”. This project is a collaboration between Thomas Morgan at ASU and other faculty and postdoctoral researchers at Princeton University and the University of St Andrews.

The successful applicant will be part of a collaborative research team studying the evolution of intelligence (both individual and social), in concert with, and under constraints from, life history. The postdoctoral research associate will be expected to create computational models to generate hypotheses which they then test through large-scale, online experiments. The postdoctoral research associate will publish the results of this research in scholarly venues. Additional duties will include organizing and implementing research plans, primary data collection and data analysis, preparation of manuscripts for publication in journals; supervising less senior research staff or interns; attending conferences and seminars, and other duties as assigned.

The Ecco lab is committed to making Evolutionary Anthropology a diverse, inclusive and equitable field. We highly encourage applications from historically excluded and underrepresented groups in science.

This is a full-time, fiscal-year, term-limited 1-year position, which may be renewable for up to three years, contingent on funding and satisfactory performance. Applicants must be within five years of receipt of their Ph.D. to be considered. The anticipated start date is September 1, 2022 but may be earlier.

Minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in cultural evolution, anthropology, evolutionary biology, psychology, computational social science or a related field by the time of appointment.

Desired qualifications include: knowledge of and experience with (i) mathematical modelling of evolutionary processes, (ii) programming (e.g., Python, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, SQL, R), (iii) data analysis, (iv) experimental design and a demonstrated record of (v) research and publication, (vi) success working in collaborative teams, and (vii) a commitment or desire to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment in science.

To apply, please submit application materials electronically to https://apply.interfolio.com/110308 

Required materials include: 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications and previous research, 2) a current curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references,4) a statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity and inclusion will advance ASU’s commitment to inclusive excellence. General questions about this position should be directed to Thomas Morgan at thomas.j.h.morgan@asu.edu.

Initial deadline for complete applications is August 24, 2022; if not filled, review of complete applications will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

The fiscal year (12-month) salary for this position is $50,000 along with competitive benefits through ASU including health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. The postdoctoral research scholar must be in residence in the greater-Phoenix metropolitan area during the appointment.

The Ecco lab is a part of the Adaptation, Behavior, Culture & Society research group (ABC&S), within the School of Human Evolution and Social Change (SHESC) at ASU, and a part of the Institute of Human Origins (IHO), also at ASU. Research carried out within the Ecco lab addresses questions concerning the nature and evolution of the human capacity for culture, cultural evolutionary dynamics and gene-culture coevolution. A diverse range of methods are utilized in order to maximize our understanding of these topics, spanning theory – analytic models, agent based simulations; experiment – from small-scale lab-based studies to large-scale online studies; as well as historical and philosophical approaches.

Information about the School can be found at http://shesc.asu.edu. The School collaborates extensively with ASU’s Institute for Human Origins (http://iho.asu.edu) and the Center for Evolution and Medicine (https://evmed.asu.edu). 

The College values our cultural and intellectual diversity, and continually strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially interested in applicants who can strengthen the diversity of the academic community.

A background check is required for employment.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. ASU’s full non-discrimination statement (ACD 401) is located on the ASU website at: https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html   https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/  

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