Postdoctoral Research in Behavioral Ecology

Hiring Department

The Goyes Lab in the Division of Biology in the College of Arts & Science.

Job Description

The Goyes Lab in the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic research program focused on the reproductive behavior and ecology of Belostomatidae (water bugs) in Missouri, with an emphasis on parental care behavior.

The successful candidate will contribute to various research themes in the lab, focusing on the evolution of mating systems, sexual selection, parental care, and intersexual communication. They will conduct research on Belostoma species that exhibit parental care in Missouri, with opportunities to explore acoustic and vibrational communication, social behavior, and reproductive strategies.

The preferred start date for this position is September 1, 2026 or as soon as possible. Funding is available for up to two years, the initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent on satisfactory performance.

This position is mentored by Dr. Johana Goyes Vallejos, whose research investigates how ecological, behavioral, and life-history factors shape the evolution of parental care. The lab integrates animal behavior, bioacoustics, morphology, and ecology.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will join an active research community with opportunities to lead and collaborate on new research directions, gain mentoring experience, and contribute to grant development. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to a collaborative lab culture and to engage in outreach and professional development activities.

This position involves extensive field collection of wild animals and requires a strong interest in field-based research. Enthusiasm for working outdoors in the Midwestern United States is essential. Fieldwork may involve long hours in wetlands and forested habitats under challenging environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, wading ponds, biting insects, and unpredictable weather.

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a laboratory colony of water bugs, designing and conducting behavioral experiments, collecting, managing, and analyzing data, and disseminating research through peer-reviewed publications.

Candidates must be willing and able to drive to and from field sites at night; a valid drivers license is required.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in biology, organismal biology, ecology, evolution, animal behavior, or a closely related field.

Demonstrated expertise in behavioral ecology, particularly collecting and scoring animal behavior data.

Excellent organizational, analytical, and writing skills, with a strong publication record (appropriate to their career stage) in animal behavior and/or entomology journals demonstrating the ability to bring projects to completion.

Quantitative/data analysis skills (e.g., R or similar).

Available to work flexibly during hours that will include nights and weekends during the field season.

Interest in mentoring student researchers and contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with fieldwork, establishing and maintaining laboratory colonies, and experimental design in behavioral studies.

Preferred experience in sexual selection, mating systems, mate choice and/or parental care behavior.

Preferred skill in working with live animals, especially insects.

Application Materials

To Apply, submit the following:

• Cover letter describing background and research experience, research focus and future goals, competencies and relevant skills. Additionally, what you hope to gain from this position and how it will support your long-term development as a scientist.
• Curriculum vitae
• 1-2 first author representative publication (published or in press)

Questions related to the position may be emailed to Dr. Johana Goyes Vallejos (jogoyes@missouri.edu). Contact Talia Gholson (gholsont@missouri.edu) for any questions about the application process.

Application Deadline

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applications received by July 10, 2026 will receive first consideration. Expected start date is September 1, 2026.