A 2-year postdoctoral research associate position is available starting this fall/winter to study the nutritional ecology and foraging behavior of red imported fire ants. We are specifically interested in exploring macronutrient selection at the colony level and the extent to which macronutrient selection changes seasonally. This is a collaborative project involving Spence Behmer, Micky Eubanks and Roger Gold (all at Texas A&M University). The postdoctoral research associate will be based in the Behmer Lab (http://behmerlab.tamu.edu/index.html) and will be responsible for leading laboratory studies using an experimental framework that quantifies nutrient intake. These experiments will also explore how changes in the nutritional environment impact collective behavior. Information gained in the laboratory will then be used to design a series of related field experiments. A Ph.D. in Entomology, Ecology, or a related field is required as well as a strong background in physiology and behavior. Research experience with ants is strongly preferred, but not required. Please send a C.V., a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for three references to Spence Behmer ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Review of applications will begin September 3 and continue until the post is filled. We would like the postdoctoral research associate to begin the position in October 2007.
