Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, Hobson Lab, College of Arts and Sciences

Job Overview

The Hobson Lab at the University of Cincinnati () 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.

• 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.

Doctoral Degree in the appropriate field or discipline, or the recognized terminal degree

N/A

• In-depth knowledge of specialized field, process or discipline.
• May require experience with specialized software programs.

• 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

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.

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. 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…