Animal Physiology and Behavior Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Mt Pleasant
Friday, 08 May 2026
The Department of Biology at Central Michigan University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on behavioral decision making, social competition, and stress resilience in East African cichlid fish in the group of Dr. Peter Dijkstra. The postdoc will work on an NSF-funded project where the overarching aim is to investigate the genetic, cognitive, and neural mechanisms of male-male aggression biases and how they contribute to the speciation process. This position is initially for a one-year appointment, with the potential for reappointment pending performance and continued funding. Required Qualifications PhD. or equivalent in evolutionary genetics, genomics, biology, neuroscience, or related field. Demonstrated record of productivity and publications. Experience in working with large datasets in R. Ability to carry out research responsibilities with limited guidance. Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Preferred Qualifications Experience with generating or analyzing large-scale genomic data. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Message to Applicants Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards. You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position. Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee. About the Department The CMU Department of Biology is an interactive group of 26 tenure-track, 3 research, and 3 fixed-term faculty with diverse expertise. Researchers in the Department of Biology have access to a microscopy and imaging facility with confocal and electron microscopes, flow cytometry, and BSL 2 facilities. The department also maintains a greenhouse, vivarium facilities, field sites, and a biological research station. Additional opportunities for collaboration exist across the university, including with faculty in the College of Medicine, Neuroscience Program, and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Posting Begins 03/06/2026 Posting Ends Open Until Filled Yes Type of Recruitment External