mercredi 24 juin 2009

POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP, BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF SOCIAL INSECTS, BERKELEY, USA

The UC Berkeley Natural History Museums and Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC-Berkeley are currently seeking one Postdoctoral Scholar in the laboratory of Dr. Neil Tsutsui.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to study the behavioral ecology of social insects. Previous work has focused on the genetics, behavior, and chemical ecology of the invasive, Argentine ant (Linepithema humile). In this species, genetic changes during introduction have altered individual behavior and, in turn, the social organization of introduced populations.
These changes have contributed to the Argentine ant's invasive success by promoting the formation of massive "supercolonies" in the introduced range.
Publications from previous research can be downloaded from: http://nature.berkeley.edu/tsutsuilab
Current research topics include the chemical basis of colonymate recognition, population genetics of native and introduced populations, and the development of genomic tools for studies of behavior, learning and memory in Argentine ants and other social insects.
The central focus of the Postdoctoral Scholar’s research will be the structure and function of colonymate recognition systems in the Argentine ant. The Scholar will perform manipulative laboratory experiments to explore the role that social environment and individual experience play in the development of colony identity. The Postdoctoral Scholar will also have opportunities to contribute to ongoing research by using functional genetic, genomic or neurophysiological approaches.
Applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following
areas: behavioral ecology, chemical ecology, population genetics, genomics and gene expression, and genetics of behavior, learning and memory. Previous experience in insect biology is desirable, but not required. The salary range is between $35,508 - $41,496 or commensurate with experience; generous benefits are included. A start date during early Fall 2009 is preferable. Applicants must have less than five years of post-doctoral service.
Applicants should submit a CV, a brief statement of research interests, copies of relevant publications and/or manuscripts, and contact information for two references. Application materials may be submitted by email or postal mail.
Deadline: by July 15, 2009.
Contact: Dr. Neil D. Tsutsui, email: ntsutsui@nature.berkeley.edu
The University of California, Berkeley is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity. Applicants should ask referees to review the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentially found at:
http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html