Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Tanner Lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking up to two motivated postdoctoral research associates to conduct acoustic communication research in non-human animals. The successful candidate will contribute to broad research themes in the lab, including the evolution of acoustic signals by sexual selection and decision-making in complex natural contexts. Current efforts in the lab explore how pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection shape sexual signals; choice overload and its consequences for decision making in animals; constraints to the expression of mating preferences, especially the effects of noise; and the causes and consequences of within-individual variation in acoustic signaling. The Tanner lab has two large (3.9 m length x 3.4 m width x 2.6 m height) state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled, semi-anechoic chambers available for studies of acoustic communication behaviors. We work primarily in frogs native to our location in East Tennessee, especially gray and green treefrogs (Dryophytes chrysoscelis and D. cinerea), but also with field crickets (Gryllidae). We are open to candidates excited about working in any of these systems, and potentially in more than one.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field (e.g., Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Behavior, Psychology, Neuroscience, or related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research in animal behavior, particularly acoustic communication.
• Experience with experimental design and data analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with frogs or crickets.
• Familiarity with acoustic analysis software.
• Experience with statistical modeling.
• Interest in contributing to grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct acoustic communication research in non-human animals.
• Contribute to broad research themes in the lab, including the evolution of acoustic signals by sexual selection and decision-making in complex natural contexts.
• Explore how pre- and post-copulatory sexual selection shape sexual signals.
• Investigate choice overload and its consequences for decision making in animals.
• Examine constraints to the expression of mating preferences, especially the effects of noise.
• Study the causes and consequences of within-individual variation in acoustic signaling.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Inclusive of benefits.
• Access to career development and coaching.
• Continued education opportunities.
• Extensive list of development and training possibilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree