Job Details

Postdoctoral Scholar, Biology

Position Number: 6736939
Location: Reno, NV
Position Type: Science - Biology

Postdoctoral Scholar, Biology

R0149732
University of Nevada, Reno - Main Campus

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu. For UNR Med professional job postings, please contact the Office of Professional Recruitment at (775) 784-6778.

Job Description

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 or interpersonal issues.
Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate
No state income tax!

Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples' professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career Assistance Program

Department Contact

Beth Jacobsen at 775-682-8787 or jacobsenb@unr.edu

Exempt
Yes

Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu

Attach the following attachments to your application

1) Resume/CV

2) Cover Letter

3) Contact Information for Three Professional References

4) Statement of research background and interests

This posting is open until filled

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. This search will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received or a hiring decision has been made.

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member's first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person's age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes).

About Us

The University of Nevada, Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevada's original land-grant university, the University serves more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 ("Very High Research") university, it is also recognized in the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the "Best National Universities" and "Best National Public Universities." It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times' "Top Colleges for Economic Diversity."

Since 2009, nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs, facilities, and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevada's first medical school - the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe, where education, research, and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension, Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Nevada Small Business Development Center, the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno, Nevada, a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe, the beautiful, 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The University's physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building, set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus, alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus, known as "University Village," to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.

Collaborating with world-renowned organizations, the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple, which ensures equitable access to technology for students, providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Google's TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada - led by the University of Nevada, Reno - was named one of the inaugural 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (TechHubs). Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its territories. Nevada's Tech Hub will strengthen America's lithium batteries, critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.

Through its commitment to high-impact education, world-improving research and creative activity, and outreach that's transforming Nevada's communities and businesses, the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state, nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today, the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics, facilities, support, engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students' cognitive growth and academic achievement - all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.

For more information, please visit the University's website.

University of Nevada, Reno

To apply, visit https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Postdoctoral-Scholar--Biology_R0149732?workerSubType=dddb2e55fbdf014cc806bd19c034ed08&workerSubType=dddb2e55fbdf011e7533c019c034ee08&workerSubType=dddb2e55fbdf0125f832c319c034ef08

Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno is the State of Nevadas land grant institution with a statewide mission and presence. The University of Nevada, Reno is a Carnegie I Research Institution and has been recognized as a "Top Tier" Best National University by U.S. News & World Report. With an enrollment of nearly 21,000 students we offer 145 Tier 1 accredited degree programs. Located in the picturesque Truckee Meadows the University of Nevada, Reno is surrounded by numerous state and national parks, is 45 minutes from beautiful Lake Tahoe, and four hours from San Francisco.

The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. We are an inclusive and engaged community and recognize the added value that students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a persons age, disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race, or religion.