The Morehouse Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati is seeking to fill a post-doctoral position as part of a new initiative to investigate co-evolution between color vision and color signaling in the spider family Salticidae. Salticids, also known as jumping spiders, are highly visual animals. Research in the Morehouse Lab has begun to reveal surprising diversity in the color sensitivities of the principal eyes in this species-rich group, ranging from dichromacy to tetrachromacy. A number of salticid genera are also brightly colored, including the Habronattus jumping spiders of North America, and the peacock jumping spiders of the Australian genus Maratus. However, how these patterns of diversity in color vision and color ornamentation are evolutionarily linked remains unknown. The postdoctoral researcher will join a small team investigating how evolutionary shifts in color sensitivities may have driven patterns of diversity in color signaling across the Salticidae.
The position will involve international field work for taxonomic sampling and characterization of habitat light environments, lab based techniques such as retinal microspectrophotometry and hyperspectral imaging, and computational approaches including color space analyses and phylogenetic comparative methods. The postdoc is expected to contribute to the mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers. The Morehouse Lab is also extensively involved in educational partnerships and art-science collaborations. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to contribute substantively to these community-oriented activities. The position is guaranteed for one year, preferably starting in August 2017, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funds. Review of applications will begin in early May and continue until the position is filled. Qualifications Ph.D. in biology or closely related discipline. Fundamental knowledge in visual ecology is a must. Some experience with spiders and/or comparative methods is a plus. Salary 48,000 USD/year Intellectual Environment The Morehouse Lab studies the traits males and females use to interact with each other during reproduction, with a particular focus on visual signaling and courtship. We strive to test theory by understanding mechanism. Current projects in the lab are focused on co-evolution between visual systems and visual signals, color use during courtship and foraging, and evolutionary dynamics between male seminal fluid proteins and the female reproductive tract. We are also committed to supporting science education and science literacy in Cincinnati and beyond, and have a number of ongoing projects with community partners. More information about the lab can be found at www.morehouselab.com<http://www.morehouselab.com> The Morehouse Lab recently joined the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, an emerging center of excellence in sensory ecology. With a strong and growing faculty concentration in Sensory Biology, Behavior, and Evolution, and an NSF-funded REU program in Sensory Ecology, UC provides a vibrant intellectual environment for research and student training. Matching research strengths in sensing and sensor technologies in UC’s nationally-renowned College of Engineering offer a number of cross-disciplinary training opportunities. In addition, UC’s strengths in design and the fine and performing arts provide exciting opportunities for the Morehouse Lab’s ongoing involvement in art-science collaborations, including the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (ranked 3rd internationally) and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (ranked 6th nationally). Finally, Cincinnati is a culturally and economically vibrant city with a low cost of living, offering an unbeatable quality of life for graduate students and postdocs. Application Process Interested and qualified applicants must apply via our online application system. Please visit https://jobs.uc.edu and apply directly to Requisition #18642. In addition to the application, please upload a current CV/Resume with a Letter of Interest. Please include contact information for three professional references. The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application you will be asked to include a Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Statement. The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / M / F / Veteran / Disabled. All my best, Nate Nathan Morehouse _______________ Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences University of Cincinnati 711H Rieveschl Hall Cincinnati, OH 45221-0006 Office: (513) 556-9757 colorevolut...@uc.edu http://www.morehouselab.com <http://www.morehouselab.com/> "Il y a un autre monde mais il est dans celui-ci." - Paul Éluard
