Animal Physiology and Behavior Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Animal Physiology and Behavior Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

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• Posting Number: F-1031
• Position Title: Animal Physiology and Behavior Postdoctoral Research Fellow
• College/Unit: College of Science and Engineering
• Home Department: Department of Biology
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Position Type: 12 month
• Position Classification: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
• Position Begin Date: 06/01/2026
• Posting Begins: 03/06/2026
• Recruitment Type: External
• Open Until Filled: Yes

The Department of Biology at Central Michigan University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on behavioral decision making, social competition, and stress resilience in East African cichlid fish in the group of Dr. Peter Dijkstra. The postdoc will work on an NSF‑funded project where the overarching aim is to investigate the genetic, cognitive, and neural mechanisms of male‑male aggression biases and how they contribute to the speciation process.

This position is initially for a one‑year appointment, with the potential for reappointment pending performance and continued funding.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in evolutionary genetics, genomics, biology, neuroscience, or related field.
• Demonstrated record of productivity and publications.
• Experience in working with large datasets in R.
• Ability to carry out research responsibilities with limited guidance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Experience with generating or analyzing large‑scale genomic data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

The CMU Department of Biology is an interactive group of 26 tenure‑track, 3 research, and 3 fixed‑term faculty with diverse expertise. Researchers in the Department of Biology have access to a microscopy and imaging facility with confocal and electron microscopes, flow cytometry, and BSL2 facilities. The department also maintains a greenhouse, vivarium facilities, field sites, and a biological research station. Additional opportunities for collaboration exist across the university.

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Other Document (1)

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