Postdoctoral Fellowship - Hanley Color Lab at George Mason University

The Hanley Color Lab at George Mason University (GMU) is searching for a postdoctoral fellow to study color perception in wild animals. Specifically, we are looking to recruit a researcher interested in using avian brood parasitism as a model system for testing color perception and decision-making in the wild. Our lab uses field experiments and comparative tests to understand how the decision-making abilities of hosts impact co-evolutionary dynamics. We seek candidates with a strong interest in perception and cognition, to explore the role of color categorization, background contrast, and color constancy on these host decisions. The candidate would have access to large behavioral and comparative datasets and would have the opportunity to design and conduct field experiments at our local field site.

As a postdoc at GMU you would focus primarily on publishing high-tier publications, but you will also have the ability to serve as co-PI on external funding opportunities. We will provide the postdoctoral fellow time and guidance on their professional development within the lab and through a range of professional development resources available to postdoctoral fellows at GMU. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to a state-of-the-art facility, a dedicated office space, and a wide range of instruments within our lab and the shared lab facilities. GMU is ideally situated in the Washington D.C. area which will provide the postdoctoral fellow the opportunity to develop collaborations, provide seminars, and expand their professional network.

This position will pay $70,000 per year with benefits. Currently we are hiring the candidate for 1-year, though we would welcome discussions about extending the term of the contract. The start date is flexible, with the potential to start in the summer of 2024 or the fall of 2024. Potential candidates should have a strong publication record and emphasize their strengths in field ornithology, behavioral ecology, laboratory work (e.g., spectroscopy, photometry, optics, or related areas), computation biology or related areas. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a commitment to pursuing extramural funding. We request that all interested candidates provide a curriculum vitae and a letter of intent that includes information on your past research experience and future research and career plans. For full consideration, please submit these materials through http://jobs.gmu.edu before 29 Feb 2024 (quick link: https://t.ly/nkRcQ). We will continue to review applications after this point, the position is open until filled. We strongly encourage all interested applicants to communicate directly with Daniel Hanley (dhanley2@gmu.edu).