The Gerson lab at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is seeking a highly qualified postdoctoral researcher to pursue lab & field based projects investigating the functional changes and underlying mechanisms of acute phenotypic flexibility of migratory birds. The Gerson lab takes an integrative approach to understanding the challenges of migration in birds. Through investigation at multiple levels of organization, from the cellular level to the organismal level, we aim to better understand the mechanistic basis, flexibility, and limitations of the physiological response of migratory birds to long duration flight and subsequent refueling. The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to investigate the mechanisms of lean mass loss and recovery and the consequences to whole animal physiology using a multi-omics approach. Initial appointments will be for 1 year, with possible extension based on satisfactory performance.

APPLY ONLINE:

https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/527648/post-doctoral-research-associate-gerson-lab

Essential Functions

• Perform lab and field based experiments investigating physiological and molecular changes during flight and refueling in migratory birds.
• Publish research findings in a timely manner.
• Engage with the lab group to promote a culture of success.
• Mentor and train lab personnel.
• Assist in maintaining a functional, safe, and compliant lab.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A PhD in organismal physiology or related field.
• Have experience with any of the following: animal energetics and physiology, tissue level physiology, molecular biology, mitochondrial energetics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, field research.
• Excellent project management skills, data management and analysis experience, problem solving skills, the ability and willingness to lead and organize a large research effort, and will work productively and enthusiastically with others.
• A strong track record of academic publishing
• Experience with bioinformatics highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Animal handling and experience with birds in the field and lab
• Bird banding or field handling
• Experience in metabolic measurement, organismal performance assessment, organ level physiology, mitochondrial energetics
• Experience in laboratory molecular or biochemical techniques
• Strong data analysis skills
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to lead a team
• Bioinformatics skills or experience with transcriptomics and/or metabolomics

Please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.