A position is available for a post-doc at New York University (NYU). The post-doc will work on projects related to the evolution and function of primate colors and patterns. Several collaborative projects in this area in our lab are ongoing and new projects are being established. These include both comparative analyses and species-specific studies of the function and evolution of facial and genital color patterns. The post-doc will have considerable input into the direction and nature of the research undertaken and will initiate and develop projects according to their own interests.
Applicants with experience of evolutionary studies of animal communication and signaling, or of relevant related areas in behavioral and evolutionary ecology, are encouraged to apply. The position would especially suit researchers who have experience in visual modeling, and the analysis of pattern, shape and color data in studies of signal evolution, or those who have related expertise and are eager to learn such techniques. In addition to the collection and analysis of standardized images from specific species, other aspects of the research may include undertaking comparative analyses, creating carefully calibrated stimuli, and undertaking experiments in which color images are presented to living primates to assess their response. In addition to applications from those with direct experience of working on primate signaling, communication and behavior, applications are encouraged from researchers with relevant experience from any other taxa, such as birds, insects, frogs and fish.
The post-doc will be paid a salary according to his/her experience and will be eligible for NYU benefits such as healthcare and retirement. Nationality is open. NYU is located in the Greenwich Village area of Manhattan.
To apply, please email a cover letter and a CV (including referee contact information) to James Higham at: jhigham@nyu.edu
See also: https://files.nyu.edu/jph13/public/james.html
References
Higham, J.P., Hughes, K.D., Brent, L.J.N., Dubuc, C., Engelhardt, A., Heistermann, M., Maestripieri, D., Santos, L.R & Stevens, M. 2011. Familiarity affects assessment of facial signals of female fertility by free-ranging male rhesus macaques.
Proceedings of the Royal Society B 278 3452-3458
Higham, J.P., Brent, L.J.N., Dubuc, C., Accamando, A,K., Engelhardt, A., Gerald, M.S., Heistermann, M. & Stevens, M. 2010. Color signal information content and the eye of the beholder: a case study in the rhesus macaque.
Behavioral Ecology 21 739-746
Stevens, M., Stoddard, M.C., & Higham, J.P. 2009. Studying primate color: towards visual system dependent methods.
International Journal of Primatology 30 893-917
Higham, J.P., MacLarnon, A., Ross, C., Heistermann, M. & Semple, S. 2008 Baboon sexual swellings: Information content of size and color.
Hormones and Behavior 53 452-462