Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, Hobson Lab, College of Arts and Sciences
University of CincinnatiJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
University of Cincinnati’s Hobson Lab invites a computational postdoctoral fellow to join an NSF-supported project on sociality and cognition in animals. The ideal candidate has experience in social network analysis or agent-based modeling of social or cognitive questions, plus solid data analysis and quantitative skills; a PhD in biology or a related field is required by June 2026. The appointment is for one year with potential renewal contingent on new funding; start date July 2026; H1B sponsorship is not available. Apply with a cover letter, CV, research statement, and three references; rolling review; internal UC applicants must apply via SuccessFactors. Tip: align your narrative to the project and cite publications.
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors
Faculty rank and compensation will be based on experience and academic credentials.
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Job Overview
The Hobson Lab at the University of Cincinnati (https://hobsonresearch.com/) is recruiting a computationally-focused postdoc to work on an NSF-supported project about factors affecting sociality and cognition in animals. The postdoc should have extensive experience in either social network analysis (ideally with animals) or expertise and previous evidence of success in agent-based modeling of social or cognitive questions. The postdoc should be able to and prepared to start work on the project in July 2026. The initial appointment is one year; renewals may be available but would be contingent on novel funding being awarded.
H1B support is not available for this position.
Essential Functions
- Conduct research experiments in a particular field within the pre-determined research scope and methodology.
- Gather and analyze data and develop new ideas that promote current research.
- Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts and presentations of research results.
- Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
- Keep informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.
- Lab maintenance, including equipment maintenance and ordering of supplies, as needed.
- May teach techniques to others, train, and mentor junior research staff.
- Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
- Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as well.
- Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.
Required Education
Doctoral Degree in the appropriate field or discipline, or the recognized terminal degree
Required Trainings/Certifications
N/A
Required Experience
- In-depth knowledge of specialized field, process or discipline.
- May require experience with specialized software programs.
Additional Qualifications Considered
• Applicants must have a PhD degree granted by June 2026 (at the latest) in biology or closely related field
• The applicant’s previous research needs to have focused on either social network analysis or agent-based modeling of social processes
• The applicant should have a demonstrated ability to develop and carry out research projects with past evidence of publication of peer-reviewed scientific papers and scientific productivity
Desired Skills
• The applicant should have extensive data analysis experience and quantitative and computational skills
• The applicant should have strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
Application Process Information
To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and contact information for at least three references (letters of reference will be requested for finalists). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
- Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
Compensation and Benefits
UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits) Eligibility may vary by position and FTE status. Highlights include:
Salary Information:
Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
Vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
Additional Benefits Include:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
- Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
- Professional development & mentorship opportunities
To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our Careers Page.
UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.
Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact UC HR at [email protected].
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