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 -Ph.D. in Anthropology
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.
Required Application Materials
- Cover letter
- Statement on research interests
- A brief administrative research statement including how to promote inclusive excellence
- CV
- Three letters of reference
- Samples of up to three publications.
Special Instructions
Questions should be directed to the search committee chairperson, Dr. Joe Hefner, [email protected].
Electronic submission is required, and materials should be uploaded at http://careers.msu.edu.
The application process will remain open until the position is filled.
Review of Applications Begins On
05/24/2025
Website
HTTPS://ANTHROPOLOGY.MSU.EDU/
Department Statement
The Department of Anthropology is a highly interconnected, diverse, theoretically engaged and practice-oriented research and teaching program at Michigan State University, the nation’s leading land grant institution. Our collective approaches are grounded in participatory fieldwork and a comparative perspective that aim to advance knowledge regarding the biological, cultural, and environmental interplay of the human experience. Our work contributes to the creation of knowledge within the discipline, makes a difference in the lives of people locally and globally, and prepares students at all levels and abilities to face the challenges of a globalized complex world.
In the Department of Anthropology at Michigan State University, we believe that the strength and vitality of our discipline lies in our ability to approach fundamental issues concerning cultural and biological diversity from multiple perspectives, rather than the achievement of consensus. Our faculty specializes in sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, medical anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. However, many of the research themes we address cross these areas of sub-disciplinary specialization, and our research and teaching benefit from consideration of the multiple vantage points we bring to bear on these themes.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
