Ecologist

Position Information

Post-doctoral Position : Avian Physiological Ecologist

Position DescriptionAn enthusiastic and highly motivated post-doctoral researcher is sought to join the lab of Dr. Britt Heidinger () in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University (NDSU).

This is a 12-month, NSF funded position (with the possibility of renewal) to study the mechanisms (physiological and transcriptomic) that underlie the rapid phenotypic diversification of body size and other life-history traits along a latitudinal gradient in house sparrows (Passer domesticus).

This project is highly integrative and will include experimental fieldwork, hormone assays, qPCR, transcriptomics, and the measurement of contemporary and historical museum specimens.

The post-doc will reside in Fargo, ND, but will also help coordinate and conduct fieldwork along a latitudinal temperature gradient including sites in Lawrence, KS, and Baton Rouge, LA.

During this position, the post-doc will gain valuable experience in research design, endocrine and molecular techniques, and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

The post-doc is also encouraged to pursue independent lines of research related to this general theme, which may include analyses of a unique collection of museum specimens.

The start date is somewhat flexible, but ideally will begin before January 1st, 2025

Minimum Candidates must 1) have a Ph.D. degree in biological sciences or a related discipline from an accredited institution;

2) have a demonstrated interest in research in evolutionary and physiological ecology; and 3) have strong oral and written communication skills, including an ability to coordinate and work as part of a research team.

Preferred Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in 1) field research; 2) transcriptomics; 3) qPCR;

4) hormone assays; and 5) avian systems.

Application Applicants must submit a cover letter; a curriculum vitae; a description of research experience (2 pages maximum);

and contact information (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin in November 18, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the search may be sent to

The DepartmentThe post-doc would join a vibrant department with several other integrative biologists interested in evolutionary, physiological, and behavioral ecology including : Drs.

Tim Greives, Julia Bowsher, Ned Dochtermann, and Kendra Greenlee. For more information see . The Department of Biological Sciences at NDSU has 17 tenured / tenure eligible faculty members and offers BA / BS, MS and Ph.

D. degrees.There are approximately 450 undergraduate and 55 graduate students enrolled in its programs.Undergraduate degrees are offered in biological sciences, biological sciences education.

Graduate degrees are offered in biology and the department also participates in several interdisciplinary graduate programs, including Cellular and Molecular Biology, Environment and Conservation Sciences, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Natural Resources Management, and STEM Education.

The UniversityNDSU, a student-focused, land-grant, research university, was established in 1890 and currently has about 12,846 students.

NDSU is classified as a high research university by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. NDSU provides cultural and educational outreach to the residents of the state, region and beyond.

The CommunityFargo combines the friendliness of a small town with the cultural offerings of a large city. With a metro-area population of nearly 200,000, Fargo-Moorhead is the largest community between Minneapolis and Seattle.

The city consistently appears on national lists of the best places to live and is noted for its health care, recreation, job opportunities and economic development.

The community offers museums, movie theaters, shopping, concerts and sporting events at many venues. Bus service both around campus and in the community is free for NDSU students.

An international airport and a commercial bus line serve Fargo-Moorhead.Residents enjoy North Dakota’s four seasons, which allow for a wide variety of outdoor activities including cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter and golfing, boating and outdoor live music events in the summer.

Fargo Moorhead has 175 public parks covering more than 3,000 acres. The parks offer nearly 100 miles of trails for running, hiking, and biking, plus facilities for baseball, softball, swimming, tennis and hockey.

NDSU is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity and has an active career partner program.

NDSU is an NSF ADVANCE Institution.This position is exempt from North Dakota Veterans’ Preference requirements.

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits :

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family PlanOption of a PPO / Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings AccountBenefits begin the first of the month following date of hire Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
• Superb Retirement PlanEmployer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse / Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include : Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
• More Detailed Information Here :

About Us :

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle.

The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice :

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.

EO / AA Statement :

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression / identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Diversity Statement :

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another.

Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran’s Preference Notice :

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

Last updated : 2024-11-05