ELIGIBILITY:

Desired qualifications include (seeking some, but not all): 

Training in mammal or bird ecology & evolution; 

Quantitative skills in color science, including receptor-noise limited models as implemented in R or python to test hypotheses regarding camouflage ecology; 

Quantitative skills in comparative analyses including ancestral state reconstructions, phylogenetic path analyses, Phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares, and/or Bayesian Phylogenetic Mixed Models; 

Experience working with Resonon hyperspectral cameras; 

Experience with Ocean Optics spectrophotometry equipment; 

Remote field work experience in extreme environments (such as southwestern US deserts and high-altitude environments); 

Experience conducting research in museum collections; 

Molecular skills, including sample collection on wild animals, DNA extraction, and amplification of MC1R and ASIP genes, and subsequent analyses; 

A publication record reflecting the applicant’s career stage; 

Completed BS and MS programs. 

Interested individuals should email the following documents as a single PDF to mahoneys@uncw.edu: 1) a CV that includes details of their previous scientific training, 2) a cover letter that outlines their interest in the program, articulates how their previous experiences are aligned with the desired qualifications, and describes their career goals (2 pages max), and 3) contact information for 3 references by 4 September 2026. 

Initial screening interviews are anticipated to commence in mid-September, with the potential to visit campus during the fall semester. The successful applicant will be expected to apply for the graduate program, with the understanding that the final decision regarding admittance into the program is determined by the UNCW Department of Biology & Marine Biology Graduate Advisory Committee and the Graduate College. 

The successful applicant will have an interest in animal color ecology & evolution, camouflage ecology, animal ecology, quantitative and technical skills in hyperspectral equipment, and molecular skills as demonstrated by previous research experience. The successful candidate will explore hypotheses of camouflage ecology in mammals and birds.

Additional resources can be found on the WAVE Lab website and UNCW’s BMB website. 

Questions can be directed to Sean Mahoney at mahoneys@uncw.edu. 

BENEFIT:

The successful applicant will be supported by a combination of Research and Teaching Assistantships, an annual stipend of $25,000, and a tuition waiver.