Postdoctoral Scholar, Mechanical Engineering

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Floris van Breugel in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar with an anticipated start date as soon as October 1, 2025, with the actual start date being flexible. This is a 1-year, full time position that is subject to assignment extension contingent to performance and/or funding availability.  We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary research group investigating the interface between neuroethology and robotics. This position focuses primarily on the neuroethology aspects of our research program, with particular emphasis on understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying active sensing in naturalistic environments of flying Drosophila.

Research Projects

• Olfactory Navigation: Investigating neural circuits and behavioral strategies underlying odor-guided navigation in complex environments

• Active Sensing Mechanisms: Studying how animals actively sample sensory information to guide behavior and decision-making

• Environment-Behavior Interactions: Examining how different environmental contexts shape active sensing maneuvers, including turning behaviors and exploratory movements

• Sensorimotor Integration: Understanding how sensory feedback influences motor control in real-time behavioral responses

Technical Responsibilities

• Experimental Rig Construction: Design and build novel experimental setups for either free-flight behavioral assays with high-speed tracking capabilities or tethered flight arenas with precise stimulus control and behavioral monitoring

• Virtual Reality Integration: Implement visual virtual reality presentation systems for controlled sensory stimulation

• Optogenetic Implementation: Integrate optogenetic tools for precise neural circuit manipulation during behavioral experiments

Academic and Professional Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research leading to high-impact publications

• Present research findings at national and international conferences

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students

• Contribute to grant writing efforts (NSF, NIH, etc.)

• Collaborate with robotics researchers and interdisciplinary team members

• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure reproducible research practices

Required Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.

• Strong technical background in experimental rig design and construction.

• Proficiency in Python programming for data analysis and experimental control.

• Experience with behavioral neuroethology techniques and animal handling.

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• 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.

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