Post-Doctoral Research Associate - National Institute for Modeling Biological Systems (NIMBioS)

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position – Behavioral and Physiological Responses to Heat in Songbirds

The Derryberry Lab at the University of Tennessee invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position on an NSF-funded project examining behavioral and physiological resilience to rising temperatures in birds. This interdisciplinary project investigates how heat affects critical fitness behaviors, such as mating and foraging, by analyzing behavioral sensitivity to temperature, exploring acclimation impacts, and identifying intrinsic mechanisms differentiating heat-tolerant from heat-sensitive individuals. The project leverages controlled temperature experiments with zebra finches, integrating behavioral observations with physiological analyses.

Project Overview:

The successful candidate will lead experimental and analytical work associated with these primary aims:

1. Generate Behavioral Thermal Response Curves: Experimentally quantify how mating-related behaviors change with temperature in zebra finches, focusing on behaviors critical for reproductive success.
2. Investigate Acclimation Effects: Assess how prior heat exposure influences behavioral and physiological performance under high temperatures.
3. Identify Mechanisms of Thermal Tolerance: Explore behavioral and physiological traits that differentiate heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive phenotypes.

Key Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Physiology, Animal Behavior, or a related field.
• Research Experience in thermal ecology, behavior under environmental stressors, or conservation physiology. Expertise in avian or other endotherm models is beneficial.
• Technical Skills in behavioral sampling, thermography, and respirometry are highly desirable.
• Strong Analytical Skills in R or other programming languages for statistical analysis and data visualization. Experience with mixed-effects modeling and handling complex datasets is advantageous.
• Publication Record indicating productive interdisciplinary research in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct and analyze experiments related to thermally induced behavioral responses and physiological adaptations in birds.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, contributing to data collection, manuscript preparation, and grant-related activities.
• Participate in developing educational outreach materials in thermal behavioral ecology as part of the project’s broader impacts.

Position Details:

This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding. The successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources in the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology department and collaborate within a vibrant research community focused on ecological resilience and adaptation.

Interested applicants should apply via the online Taleo application system with their CV, a cover letter describing research experience and fit with the project aims, and contact information for three references. Additionally, these documents can be submitted to Dr. Elizabeth Derryberry at [liz@utk.edu]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.