Investigating how maternal social environments shape offspring through non-genetic effects University of Oklahoma in United States

The Bentz Lab in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Oklahoma is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The lab uses local bird models to investigate how maternal social environments shape offspring through non-genetic effects. Our work focuses on the mechanisms by which maternal testosterone influences neural development and adult behavior, as well as the fitness consequences of these hormone-induced traits. By integrating behavioral ecology, endocrinology, and molecular biology, this work aims to illuminate how early hormone exposure drives lasting behavioral plasticity across generations. More information about the research group is provided at https://abentz.wixsite.com/bentzlab . The position is funded by an active NSF grant.

Applicants are expected to have strong communication and writing skills and demonstrate independence by leading their own projects while working in a highly collaborative team environment. The successful applicant will be involved with study design, data collection and analysis, writing and communication of research findings, mentoring students in research, and the development of new collaborative and independent research projects and grants.

To apply, please submit a cover letter outlining your qualifications and explaining your interest in the position, a CV, and the names and contact information for three references.

Required Education: Ph.D. in biology or an associated field

Skills:

• Experience with R programming language
• Expertise in animal behavior

Department Preferences:

• Experience with management of big data sets (e.g., RNA-seq data)
• Expertise in lab techniques, including ELISAs, qPCR, and IHC
• Demonstrated record of publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for prolonged periods

• Ability to engage in repetitive motions

• Standard office environment.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing .

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