Postdoctoral Scholar, Biology

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The Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The selected candidate will work in our long-term system of food-caching mountain chickadees in the Sierra Nevada mountains (north of Truckee, California). The expected start is April 2026 and funding is currently available for 2 years (annual salary is $61,008 plus benefits), but depending on success of pending proposals, more funding may become available. The research in our lab is focused on spatial cognition, behavioral ecology, and population biology using individually-banded mountain chickadees. Our field work continues year-round with peaks in the winter when we study cognition and, in the summer, when we study breeding biology. All field work is in extremely rugged montane conditions where we can get up to 15 feet (5 m) of snow throughout the winter and we use snowmobiles and tracked ATVs to access our field sites. The ideal candidate should be able to work in physically demanding montane conditions, tolerate (or preferably enjoy) cold and snow, have previous experience working in winter conditions (e.g. skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling), have previous experience working with small passerine birds, and be highly proficient in R (ability to handle large data base and statistical analyses).

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or a related field.

• Completion of a doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline is required.

• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.

• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

• Experience working with small passerine birds in field conditions including mist netting and collecting blood samples.

• Ability to work in rugged montane terrain, especially in deep snow.

• Advanced knowledge of programming in R and being able to process large data bases.

• Publication track record.

Compensation Grade
Postdoctoral Scholar

To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.

Perks of Working at UNR

• Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance

• Generous annual and sick leave, life insurance – Faculty Benefits

• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.  E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center

• Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders

• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal o