Postdoc: Bumblebee Decision-Making & Foraging

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral researcher in the Hemingway Lab to study how bumblebees decide under choice overload, testing how nectar rewards and floral traits influence foraging decisions. Start date 11/1/2026; funding available for 2.5 years with probationary period.

Responsibilities include experimental design, data collection/analysis, manuscript preparation, mentoring students, and developing external funding proposals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Entomology, Animal Behavior, Neurobiology, Environmental Science or related discipline.
• ABD candidates will be considered if degree requirements completed before start date.
• Experience conducting biological research and quantitative data analysis.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills; proficiency in R, Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Lead experiments examining decision-making and choice overload in bumblebees.
• Develop and conduct behavioral experiments; manage and analyze data.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate researchers in the lab.

Skills

Analytical skills

Statistical skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant field

ABD considered

Tools

R

Python

MATLAB

Job description

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral researcher in the Hemingway Lab to study how bumblebees decide under choice overload, testing how nectar rewards and floral traits influence foraging decisions. Start date 11/1/2026; funding available for 2.5 years with probationary period.

Responsibilities include experimental design, data collection/analysis, manuscript preparation, mentoring students, and developing external funding proposals.