Postdoctoral Scholar, Mechanical Engineering

Floris van Breugel in the Department ofMechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada Reno is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar with an anticipated start date as soon as October 1 2025 with the actual start date being flexible. This is a 1-year full time position that is subject to assignment extension contingent to performance and/or funding availability. We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary research group investigating the interface between neuroethology and robotics. This position focuses primarily on the neuroethology aspects of our research program with particular emphasis on understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying active sensing in naturalistic environments of flying Drosophila.

Research Projects

• Olfactory Navigation: Investigating neural circuits and behavioral strategies underlying odor-guided navigation in complex environments

• Active Sensing Mechanisms: Studying how animals actively sample sensory information to guide behavior and decision-making

• Environment-Behavior Interactions: Examining how different environmental contexts shape active sensing maneuvers including turning behaviors and exploratory movements

• Sensorimotor Integration: Understanding how sensory feedback influences motor control in real-time behavioral responses

Technical Responsibilities

• Experimental Rig Construction: Design and build novel experimental setups for either free-flight behavioral assays with high-speed tracking capabilities or tethered flight arenas with precise stimulus control and behavioral monitoring

• Virtual Reality Integration: Implement visual virtual reality presentation systems for controlled sensory stimulation

• Optogenetic Implementation: Integrate optogenetic tools for precise neural circuit manipulation during behavioral experiments

Academic and Professional Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research leading to high-impact publications

• Present research findings at national and international conferences

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students

• Contribute to grant writing efforts (NSF NIH etc.)

• Collaborate with robotics researchers and interdisciplinary team members

• Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure reproducible research practices

Required Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Neuroscience Biology Bioengineering or related field.

• Strong technical background in experimental rig design and construction.

• Proficiency in Python programming for data analysis and experimental control.

• Experience with behavioral neuroethology techniques and animal handling.

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.

• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Compensation Grade
Postdoctoral Scholar

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty members first day of employment.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.

As part of the hiring process applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

For positions that require driving evidence of a valid drivers license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.

Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

The University of Nevada Reno is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a persons age (40 or older) disability whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities) gender (including pregnancy related conditions) military status or military obligations sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information national origin race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles afros bantu knots curls braids locks and twists) color or religion (protected classes).

About Us

The University of Nevada Reno is a leading public research university committed to the promise of a future powered by knowledge. Founded in 1874 as Nevadas original land-grant university the University serves more than 23000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 63 countries.

Classified by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 (Very High Research) university it is also recognized in the Carnegie Community Engagement classification. The University is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the Best National Universities and Best National Public Universities. It also ranks in the top tier of the WSJ/Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the New York Times Top Colleges for Economic Diversity.

Since 2009 nearly $1 billion has been has invested in advanced labs facilities and residence halls on the main campus. The University is home to Nevadas first medical school the University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine and the Wayne L. Prim Campus at Lake Tahoe where education research and creative work thrive in a stunning mountain setting. The University delivers on its original land-grant mission with outreach across the state through the University of Nevada Reno Extension Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Nevada Small Business Development Center the Nevada Seismological Laboratory and Wolf Pack Athletics.

The main campus is in Reno Nevada a burgeoning global technology hub with a vibrant midtown and downtown. Found where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe the beautiful 290-acre main campus is also a Nevada State Arboretum. The Universitys physical infrastructure is expanding with ongoing construction of the newly named John Tullock Business Building set to open in fall 2025. Groundbreaking is also planned for a new State Public Health Laboratory Building on campus alongside the recent acquisition of 16 parcels near campus known as University Village to provide affordable housing for graduate students and early career faculty.

Collaborating with world-renowned organizations the University fosters innovation through initiatives such as the Digital Wolf Pack partnership with Apple which ensures equitable access to technology for students providing new incoming freshman or transfer students with an iPad Air and accessories. Googles TechWise initiate is an 18-month program that fully supports undergraduate students in becoming entry-level software engineers by graduation.

In 2023 the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Nevada led by the University of Nevada Reno was named one of the inaugural 31 RegionalTechnology and InnovationHubs (TechHubs).Nevada was selected from a competitive pool of 489 applicants from across the United States and its Tech Hub will strengthen Americas lithium batteries critical elements and other electric vehicle materials industry sectors within the state.

Through its commitment to high-impact education world-improving research and creative activity and outreach thats transforming Nevadas communities and businesses the University continues its 150-year tradition of benefitting our state nation and world.

The University recognizes that diversity promotes excellence in education and research. The inclusive and engaged community on campus recognizes the added value that students faculty and staff from different backgrounds bring to the educational experience.

Today the University delivers on its original land-grant mission of access to education and knowledge by investing in the academics facilities support engagement and vibrant campus life that promote our diverse students cognitive growth and academic achievement all while remaining one of the best values in American higher education.