Postdoctoral Researcher

The Department of Biological Sciences has an active and growing group of faculty, students, and postdocs studying Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (see https://dueeb.weebly.com). The EEB program is a dynamic and highly interactive group.

Position Summary 

The Tinghitella lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in evolutionary biology and animal behavior. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research program focused on the evolution of animal communication, sexual selection, and the mechanisms underlying phenotypic diversification and adaptation. The postdoctoral researcher will develop and lead independent and collaborative research projects, contribute to ongoing laboratory and field studies supported by an NSF grant, analyze behavioral and evolutionary datasets, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. Primary duties will include contributing to and managing large datasets from a longitudinal field study of rapid evolution in cricket sexual signals, and conducting related research on the roles of natural enemies, competing signalers, and receiver preferences in signal diversification. The postdoctoral scientist will be responsible for carrying out research projects in the laboratory and field, training and supervising other personnel, analyzing data, and publishing results in a timely fashion.

Essential Functions

• Design, conduct, and publish independent and collaborative research in evolutionary biology and animal behavior.
• Collect, manage, and analyze biological and behavioral data using appropriate statistical and computational approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and contribute to related research reporting.
• Present research findings at departmental seminars and national/international scientific conferences.
• Mentor and collaborate with graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and other laboratory personnel.
• Maintain accurate research records and ensure compliance with institutional, ethical, and safety regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong record of scholarly productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, or other research outputs.
• Knowledge of evolutionary theory and behavioral ecology, including hypothesis-driven research design.
• Demonstrated experience conducting behavioral, ecological, laboratory, field, or quantitative research.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization using R.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within collaborative research teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation abilities.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Experience generating and analyzing phenotypic (morphology, behavior, acoustic) and fitness data
• Experience and willingness to do longer-term field work
• Excellent analytical and statistical skills, including statistical analysis and data visualization using R
• Demonstrated ability to publish quality papers in peer reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students and contribute to management of an active research program.
• Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, animal behavior, ecology, biology, zoology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience quantifying animal signals, morphology, and mating preferences, as well as familiarity and experience with the Teleogryllus oceanicus study system or other acoustically signaling insects.
• Postdoctoral experience in evolution and animal communication preferred. The position provides additional opportunities for independent research in related areas for motivated scientists.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 28, 2026.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is GE8.

Salary Rate:
The salary rate for this position is $63,480

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.