Current Openings


Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Fellowship in Functional Morphology of Sea Urchin Adhesion  **Position Filled**

The Stark Lab in the Department of Biology at Villanova University seeks a Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Fellow to participate in field and laboratory-based studies. The Fellow will collaborate on functional morphology projects of sea urchin adhesion. In addition to research, the position includes an immersive teaching experience where the Fellow will teach one lecture/lab course per semester with guidance from Dr. Stark. The start date is August 1, 2022. The position is available for two years, subject to annual reviews and funding.

The following qualifications are essential:  

  • PhD in biology, ecology, biomechanics, or related field by the appointment start date
  • Analytical competency with JMP or R
  • Willingness to spend 2-4 weeks per year (cumulative) in the field
  • Prior field experience and the ability to conduct physically demanding work
  • Excellent time management, communication, and troubleshooting skills
  • Solid record of writing productivity, including publications and proposals
  • Ability to teach courses in biology (in English) for undergraduate and graduate (MS/MA) students

The following qualifications are preferred:  

  • Previous teaching experience either as an instructor of record or a teaching assistant
  • Previous experience managing the activities of undergraduate assistants 
  • Experience with biomaterials and/or biomechanical analysis
  • Field experience in the marine environment
  • Diving certification 
  • Interest in contributing to K-12 or other public outreach
  • Interest and/or experience working as an interdisciplinary team, including but not limited to working with engineers, chemists, and material scientists

Please use this website to review publications related to the project background.

Applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes a brief cover letter, 1 page statement of research interests and professional goals, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Dr. Alyssa Y. Stark at alyssa.stark@villanova.edu by March 1st.  

Postdoctoral Research Position in Functional Morphology, Ecology, and Behavior of Tropical Ants

The Stark Lab in the Department of Biology at Villanova University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to participate in field and laboratory-based studies in Panama. The postdoc will primarily conduct field and laboratory research for an NSF-funded project focused on the functional morphology, ecology, and adhesive behavior of tropical ants, but will have the freedom to develop independent projects. The preferred start date is September 1, 2022. The position is available for two years, subject to annual reviews and funding.  

The following qualifications are essential:  

  • PhD in biology or related field by the appointment start date
  • Analytical competency with JMP or R 
  • Willingness to spend three or more months (does not need to be consecutive) in Panama per year 
  • Prior field experience and the ability to conduct physically demanding work
  • Excellent time management, communication, and troubleshooting skills 
  • Solid record of writing productivity, including publications and proposals 

The following qualifications are preferred:  

  • Prior field experience in the tropics
  • Basic Spanish language skills 
  • Previous experience managing the activities of undergraduate assistants  
  • Interest in contributing to K-12 or other public outreach 
  • Interest and/or experience working as an interdisciplinary team, including but not limited to working with engineers, chemists, and material scientists 

Please use this website to review publications related to the project background.  

Applicants should submit a single PDF file that includes a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to Dr. Alyssa Y. Stark at alyssa.stark@villanova.edu by June 24th.  

Graduate Student Position (MS only) in Functional Morphology of Tropical Ant Adhesion 

The Stark Lab in the Department of Biology at Villanova University is seeking an MS student to participate in various field and laboratory-based studies in Panama. The student will primarily conduct field and laboratory research for an NSF-funded project focused on the functional morphology of tropical ant adhesion, but will have the freedom to develop an independent thesis project. The student will be funded for one year as a teaching assistant and one year as a research assistant. The position is available for two years, subject to annual reviews and funding. Start date is August 2022 (in line with academic calendar, though earlier start date is negotiable).  

The following qualifications are essential:  

  • BS in biology, bioengineering or related field by the appointment start date
  • Willingness to spend 1-2 months (cumulative) in Panama per year 
  • Ability to conduct physically demanding work in a tropical setting 
  • Excellent time management, communication, and troubleshooting skills 
  • Solid academic record and experience in a research setting 

The following qualifications are preferred:  

  • Spanish language skills (proficiency in written and especially verbal communication) 
  • Prior field experience
  • Experience with JMP or R software 
  • Writing productivity, including publications and proposals 
  • Experience with high-speed camera video capture and basic biomechanics
  • Interest in contributing to K-12 or other public outreach 
  • Interest and/or experience working as an interdisciplinary team, including but not limited to working with engineers, chemists, and material scientists 

Please use this website to review publications related to the project background.  

Applicants should submit a brief cover letter stating their research interests and why this project fits their research and academic training goals, curriculum vitae/resume, and contact information for three references to Dr. Alyssa Y. Stark at alyssa.stark@villanova.edu

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and Inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University’s mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.