Postdoctoral Research Associate

Apply now Job no:496963
Work type:Postdoc / Research / Fellow
Location:Denver, CO
Categories:Postdoc / Fellow
Division: Natural Sciences and Math

Position Summary

The Velotta Lab at the University of Denver (DU) and the Senner Lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) are looking for a postdoctoral research associate. The position will support a collaborative NSF-funded project, along with the Cheviron Lab at the University of Montana (UMT), studying the influence of parasitic botflies on the physiology, demography, and evolutionary biology of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) in the Colorado Rockies in the context of climate change. The preferred candidate will have a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, or a related field, and will have experience with fieldwork and/or small mammal trapping, as well as whole-animal respirometry, demographic analyses, or climate change modelling. The initial position will be for 9 months through DU, but funding is available for up to 3 additional years through UMass. The start date is negotiable between January 31, 2024–March 31, 2024.

Essential Functions

The candidate will lead fieldwork in Kansas and Colorado along an elevational transect that includes five sites and spans from 300–4200 m of elevation. Fieldwork includes small mammal capture-mark-recapture, whole-animal respirometry, and blood and tissue collection. Fieldwork takes place in both prairie and high-altitude environments, which can include rugged, mountainous terrain. This work includes the handling of live, wild rodents. The candidate will lead or contribute to publications stemming from current project fieldwork, as well as past project data collection, which includes seven years of data from along the elevational transect. The candidate will work in a collaborative environment alongside graduate and undergraduate students at UMass, DU, and UMT.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position requires a demonstrated ability to publish quality scientific papers and good communication and writing skills. The preferred candidate will have experience with fieldwork, small mammal trapping, and handling rodents. The preferred candidate will have expertise in ecology and evolution, vertebrate animal physiological ecology, and/or climate change science and demographic modelling.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or related field prior to the start date.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fieldwork experience with small mammals, especially in alpine habitats.
• Experience handling rodents or other small mammals.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Experience with demographic analyses and/or species distribution models.
• Evidence of leadership, mentoring, and outreach.

Working Environment

Physical Activities

Work Schedule

The University’s administrative offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work schedule may vary.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) December 22, 2023

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 8.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $42,363 (9 months).

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver .

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement .

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

About the University of Denver

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The college is home to five academic departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geography and the Environment, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. The college offers over 30 degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts to Doctor of Philosophy as well as having many active research labs funded through extramural sources. DU and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment of belonging for all. In alignment with this commitment and regardless of specialization, successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to integrate content, programming, processes, communication, and sentiments to build a welcoming community of learning for all, being conscious of individuals with historically minoritized identities. You can read more about DU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on the University’s website.